South Africa to Face England in Inaugural Nations Championship

Published June 5, 2025 • Inamandla Sports Desk

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The Springboks will renew their storied rivalry with England this November as part of the newly launched Nations Championship — a groundbreaking global rugby tournament uniting the northern and southern hemispheres in a structured international competition.

Scheduled to take place at Twickenham Stadium on November 22, 2026, the clash between South Africa and England is one of the headline fixtures in the first round of the biennial tournament, which aims to bring more meaning and consistency to international rugby tests outside of World Cups and British & Irish Lions tours.

A New Era for Test Rugby

The Nations Championship will see the 12 Tier-One rugby nations—comprising the Six Nations (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales) and the Rugby Championship (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina)—joined by two invited teams to form a global competition played every two years. The aim is to elevate international rugby's relevance, provide more blockbuster fixtures, and increase commercial viability for smaller unions.

For South Africa, this tournament offers a new opportunity to test their depth and dominance against northern giants while building towards the next Rugby World Cup cycle.

Springboks' Road Ahead

Fresh off their dramatic 2023 Rugby World Cup triumph in France, the Springboks will be aiming to lay down a marker in this inaugural edition of the Nations Championship. Their match against England—who narrowly lost to South Africa in the 2023 semi-final—promises to be an emotional and physical showdown.

The fixture will also serve as a critical test for the Boks' next generation, with head coach Rassie Erasmus expected to blend experienced campaigners with emerging talent from the United Rugby Championship and Currie Cup.

What to Expect

• Date: November 22, 2026
• Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
• Broadcast: Matches to be televised globally (specific broadcasters TBC)
• Ticket Sales: Expected to open mid-2026 via official World Rugby and RFU platforms

Inamandla's Take

At Inamandla, we celebrate every moment that puts African excellence on the global stage. This fixture is not just about rugby—it's a reminder of the resilience, strategy, and unity that define the Springbok spirit. Whether you're cheering from Pretoria or London, this match is for all of us who believe in rising with power.

Stay tuned for exclusive pre-match coverage, player profiles, and cultural deep dives as we count down to kickoff.

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