In a landmark move for international rugby, South Africa's Springboks and New Zealand's All Blacks are set to battle it out in Baltimore, Maryland, this September. The clash forms the fourth Test in the inaugural "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series, a high-profile event aimed at boosting the sport's profile in the United States.
A Strategic Fixture in American Territory
The match is scheduled for 12 September at M&T Bank Stadium, the home ground of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, with organisers targeting a near-sell-out crowd at the 71,000-capacity venue. This fixture follows three Tests between the two rugby giants on South African soil, part of a recurring quadrennial touring arrangement that underscores the intensity of their historic rivalry.
World Rugby's US Expansion Drive
Alan Gilpin, Chief Executive of World Rugby, emphasised the strategic importance of this fixture. "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," he stated. Gilpin added that showcasing the New Zealand versus South Africa rivalry in Baltimore, one of 27 super-engaged cities in the Rugby World Cup hosting process, is an exciting prospect to inspire more American sports fans.
The scheduling aligns with World Rugby's concerted efforts to develop rugby in the United States, building on previous matches like New Zealand's encounter with Ireland in Chicago and South Africa's game against Wales in Washington DC. Baltimore was selected after considering several European locations, including Dublin's Croke Park, Seville in Spain, and Paris, highlighting the global appeal of this fixture.
Tour Details and Broader Implications
The Baltimore encounter will cap off a series of three Tests in South Africa, featuring two matches in Johannesburg and one in Cape Town. Additionally, the All Blacks will face four South African sides from the United Rugby Championship (URC) during their extensive tour. This comes amid coaching changes for New Zealand, with Scott Robertson departing earlier in January and his successor yet to be announced.
Baltimore's role as host for this final fixture suggests the city may be a strong contender in World Rugby's selection process for the men's World Cup in 2031. The previous All Blacks versus Ireland match in the US drew interest from all 50 states, and direct flights from Johannesburg to nearby Washington DC could attract a significant number of travelling South African supporters, further energising the event.
This initiative not only celebrates one of rugby's fiercest rivalries but also positions the United States as a growing hub for the sport, with potential long-term benefits for fan engagement and commercial opportunities ahead of the upcoming World Cups.
