There is great excitement about the announcement that Bloemfontein will be the host town for the Springboks’ game agains Portugal on Saturday, 20 July.
This will be the very first test between these nations. The match will be the final match in the Castle Lager Incoming Series as part of the 2024 home test schedule.
The back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions return to the Toyota Stadium for the first time since their narrow 13-12 defeat against Wales in Bloemfontein in 2022, and will be expecting a competitive challenge against Portugal, who defeated RWC quarter-finalists Fiji in their final pool match in France last year.
The confirmation of Bloemfontein as the venue for the test match completes the domestic test schedule, which begins with a two-test series against top international rivals Ireland in Pretoria and Durban on 6 and 13 July respectively. This will be followed a week later by the Portugal test.
The Springboks will then face New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship in two tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town on 31 August and 7 September respectively, before lining up against Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday, 28 September.
Rassie Erasmus, director of SA Rugby, said that the Boks are excited to return to Bloemfontein. “We are delighted that we will be returning to Bloemfontein for this historic match, and we are determined to continue to make our passionate supporters proud.
“With the venue now confirmed, we can go full steam ahead with our planning for the home tests from an operational perspective.”
Erasmus said there is no doubt it has added to the excitement for the season ahead, especially after capping off the 2023 season by defending the Rugby World Cup title.
Ross van Reenen, CEO of the Free State Cheetahs, said they are incredibly honoured to host this match. “Welcoming the World Cup winners to Bloemfontein is a source of great excitement. We look forward to showcasing their skills to our enthusiastic supporters,” he said.
“The upcoming test promises thrilling rugby action and a substantial economic boost for the local community and hospitality industry. We extend our gratitude for this valuable opportunity presented to us by SA Rugby.”
Ticketing details for all six test are being finalised and will be announced soon, but supporters are warned to only buy from official outlets and not websites such as Viagogo.
The Springboks’ home Test schedule for 2024 is:
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs. Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs. Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs. Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs. New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA vs. New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 28 September: SA vs. Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit).
