All Blacks-Springboks tours back on the table from 2026

NZR and SARU have agreed to resume All Blacks and Springboks tours every four years from 2026 according to South African newspaper Rapport.

The resumption of the old style touring model is expected to be a major boost to the coffers of the host nation, rivalling the same inflow as a British & Irish Lions tour.

The first planned tour is slated for 2026 where the All Blacks would travel to South Africa for three Tests and matches against the URC club sides, the Bulls, Sharks, Lions, Stormers and a South Africa A side.

A fourth Test match in a neutral venue, similar to the Twickenham Test played last year, is also on the table.

The last All Blacks tour of South Africa came in 1996, where New Zealand claimed a historic 2-1 series victory on South African soil for the first time.

New Zealand would then host the Springboks four years later in 2030 where a similar tour would be taken, involving matches against the Super Rugby teams.

The Rugby Championship would be put on hold during those years, with Australia and Argentina expected to make their own arrangements during that period.

The shake-up would fit into the new international calendar around the proposed Nations Championship but not count as part of the competition.

The introduction of the professional calendar originally squeezed old school tours out of the calendar, with the exception of the British & Irish Lions, but as unions look to maximise revenues, this looks to be a winner for the two traditional powers who command a large audience.

NZR CEO Mark Robinson as recently as last month shared insight into a desire to have a tour of South Africa reinstated.

“There’s been some talk around All Blacks and Springboks tours. We’re continuing to talk about those opportunities,” Robinson told Newstalk ZB’s Rugby Direct podcast.

“It potentially has some impact around the nature of what a traditional Rugby Championship looks like, so how do we work through with all the partners involved to make sure something like that can be additive for all the teams across the Sanzaar joint venture.

“It’s definitely something that’s on the radar. There’s a bit more work to do at this stage.”