Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between the Springboks and the All Blacks will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, with the fourth Test taking place on September 12, 2026, at M&T Bank Stadium.
- This will be the first time the iconic international rivalry will be played in the United States, with the event expected to attract fans from across the US and overseas.
- The announcement reflects the collective ambition of SA Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, and World Rugby to grow the game in the United States, with the region set to host the Rugby World Cup in 2031 and 2033.
- Fans can register for pre-sale ticket access, with pre-sale tickets available from January 29 and general sale opening on February 2.
- The event is expected to deliver a significant boost to the local economy and reinforce Baltimore’s credentials as a global sports destination.
Introduction to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
The announcement that Baltimore, Maryland, will host the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between the Springboks and the All Blacks has sent shockwaves of excitement throughout the rugby community. This iconic international rivalry, which takes place every four years, will be held in the United States for the first time, with the fourth Test scheduled to take place on September 12, 2026, at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, with the 71,000-capacity stadium providing a dramatic backdrop for one of international sport’s most intense rivalries.
History of the Teams in the US
Both the Springboks and the All Blacks have a history of playing matches on US soil. The Springboks have played the USA in Houston in 2001 and visited Washington DC in 2018 to face Wales, while the All Blacks have played numerous games in Chicago, taking on Ireland and the USA, as well as in San Diego and Washington. However, this will be the first time the two teams have faced each other in the United States, making the event a historic occasion for rugby fans. The announcement reflects the collective ambition of SA Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, and World Rugby to grow the game in the United States, with the region set to host the Rugby World Cup in 2031 and 2033.
Growing the Game in the US
The decision to host the event in Baltimore is a strategic move to develop new audiences, accelerate fan engagement, and inspire the next generation of rugby supporters. According to Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, "Taking the Springboks to new audiences and territories is a key objective for South African rugby, and the opportunity to do so in a groundbreaking match against our fiercest rivals was a major determinant in where the fourth Test would be played." The event is expected to attract fans from across the US and overseas, delivering a significant boost to the local economy and reinforcing Baltimore’s credentials as a global sports destination. Interim CEO of New Zealand Rugby Steve Lancaster added, "The US is an important market for us and for rugby more broadly, as we look ahead to Rugby World Cup 2031. This will mark the fourth time the team has played in the US in five years, so it’s great to be in another new city to show sports fans the spectacle and excitement of rugby."
Partnership and Growth
The event is a result of a partnership between SA Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, and World Rugby to bring world-class content to key US cities. World Rugby Chief Executive Officer Alan Gilpin stated, "Partnering with unions to bring world-class content to key US cities is at the heart of the sport’s strategy to grow the market on the road to hosting men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in the US in 2031 and 33." The event is expected to inspire more sports fans in the US to fall in love with rugby, and with the region building towards hosting the Rugby World Cup, the event is a significant step towards growing the game in the United States. As Gilpin noted, "There are few bigger rivalries than New Zealand v South Africa, and to be able to showcase the best of our sport in Baltimore, one of 27 super-engaged cities and regions in the Rugby World Cup hosting process, is an exciting prospect."
Event Details and Ticket Information
Fans can register for pre-sale ticket access, with pre-sale tickets available from January 29 and general sale opening on February 2. The event is expected to be a sell-out, with fans from across the US and overseas expected to attend. M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, has established itself as one of the premier sporting venues in North America, providing a dramatic backdrop for the event. Ravens president Sashi Brown expressed his excitement, stating, "The All Blacks–Springboks rivalry is one of the most iconic matchups in international rugby, and we’re thrilled to host these legendary teams at M&T Bank Stadium." The event promoter, TEG Rugby Live, has delivered major rugby events across the globe and is committed to growing rugby in the United States. Managing Director Stephen Cottrell said, "We are incredibly proud to partner with two of the world’s greatest teams, the Springboks and the All Blacks, and thrilled to bring the fourth, and potentially series-deciding, Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry to Baltimore."
Conclusion
The announcement that Baltimore will host the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series is a significant step towards growing the game in the United States. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, with the 71,000-capacity M&T Bank Stadium providing a dramatic backdrop for one of international sport’s most intense rivalries. With the region set to host the Rugby World Cup in 2031 and 2033, the event is a strategic move to develop new audiences, accelerate fan engagement, and inspire the next generation of rugby supporters. As the event approaches, fans can expect an exciting and action-packed match, with the Springboks and the All Blacks battling it out for supremacy.
