Springboks vs Barbarians: Gqeberha in Line to Host June Test | SA Rugby News

Gqeberha is poised to host a key preparatory match for the Springboks as they build towards their Nations Championship opener against England. According to reports, SA Rugby is in advanced discussions with city officials to stage the non-cap contest against the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on June 27th.

The fixture will provide crucial game time for the world champions ahead of the July 4th clash with England at Ellis Park, the first match in the inaugural Nations Championship. While negotiations are still ongoing, a source indicated that a deal is nearing completion.

The Springboks opened their 2025 campaign with a dominant 54-7 victory over the Barbarians in Cape Town, a match that served as a valuable run-out for players returning from various club commitments. The possibility of staging this year’s encounter at Twickenham was explored late last year, but the focus has now firmly shifted to keeping the match on South African soil.

This year’s Barbarians match is expected to be particularly important for the South African players based in Japan. The Japanese club season typically concludes at the end of May, with some teams finishing earlier if they fail to reach the playoffs. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will want those players, including Lood de Jager, Malcolm Marx, Jesse Kriel, and Kurt-Lee Arendse, to be fully match-fit and prepared for the demanding test against England.

Erasmus previously highlighted the unique challenge posed by the Barbarians, noting their “shackles-off” approach to the game. Having coached the invitational side himself in 2018, he understands the difficulty in preparing for a team comprised of talented individuals who prioritize entertaining rugby over rigid tactical structures. “It’s a difficult one to plan around,” Erasmus said, “but we want to start on a good foot.” He added that the lack of extensive analysis possible due to the constantly changing Barbarians roster necessitates a focus on the Springboks’ own performance.

The match against the Barbarians will also offer an opportunity to integrate uncapped players into the Springbok setup. The recent match against Italy saw Vincent Tshituka earn his first cap, and further opportunities for new talent are anticipated in the upcoming fixture. The squad named for the Barbarians clash included four uncapped players – props Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Neethling Fouche, and flanker Tshituka, with hooker Marnus van der Merwe also in contention for a debut.

Following the Barbarians test, the Springboks will face Italy twice, on July 5th in Pretoria and July 12th in Gqeberha, before rounding out their July schedule with a match against Georgia in Nelspruit on July 19th. These matches will serve as vital preparation for the Rugby Championship, where the Springboks will look to build on their success from 2024, a season that saw them secure 11 wins from 13 matches and claim their first Rugby Championship title since 2019.

The 2024 season wasn’t without its setbacks, however. The neck injury sustained by prop Steven Kitshoff in a September Currie Cup match ultimately forced his early retirement in 2025, a significant loss for the Springboks’ front row depth. The upcoming matches will provide an opportunity to assess and develop replacements for Kitshoff and other key players.

Erasmus has already indicated his intention to use the Barbarians match to ease players back into the Test setup, particularly those returning from extended periods away from international rugby. The fixture represents a crucial stepping stone in the Springboks’ preparations for a challenging year that includes the Nations Championship and the defense of their Rugby Championship title. The return to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium offers a familiar and supportive environment for the team as they embark on this important phase of their season.