Springboks Set for Packed 2025 Schedule as Rassie Erasmus Plans Additional Fixture

The South African national rugby team, the Springboks, are preparing for an action-packed 2025 international season, kicking off as the world’s number-one ranked side. Head coach and Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus is not only focused on maintaining their status as the best team in the world but is also looking to expand their schedule by adding an extra match outside the traditional international window.

With a demanding lineup of fixtures already set, Erasmus and SA Rugby are exploring options for an additional game to help fine-tune the team’s preparations for a crucial year of Test rugby.

Springboks Begin Preparations with Alignment Camp

To ensure the team is well-prepared for the season ahead, Erasmus has invited 55 players to the first alignment camp of the year in Cape Town. Additionally, 26 players are joining virtually, allowing those based overseas to remain involved in the team’s strategies and planning.

The alignment camp is a crucial part of the Springboks’ preparation, ensuring that all players—whether based locally or internationally—are on the same page regarding team tactics, training expectations, and overall goals for the season. These camps have become an essential tool in maintaining cohesion within the squad, especially as many South African players are now playing in leagues across Europe and Japan.

Springboks’ 2025 Fixture List

South Africa’s international campaign begins on home soil with two back-to-back Test matches against Italy, followed by a single clash with Georgia. While the venues for these matches are yet to be confirmed, they mark the start of an exciting season for the reigning world champions.

Following these three matches, the Springboks will turn their attention to the Rugby Championship, where they will welcome Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies to South Africa for two consecutive matches. These fixtures will be a key test for both teams, with South Africa aiming to defend their Rugby Championship title.

The Springboks then travel to New Zealand for two tough away matches against the All Blacks, with Auckland and Wellington set to host these highly anticipated clashes. The rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand remains one of the fiercest in world rugby, and these encounters will be crucial in determining the outcome of the tournament.

A final home game against Argentina will wrap up their Rugby Championship campaign before the two sides face off again at the Allianz Stadium in London. This neutral venue clash will add an extra layer of intrigue as both teams look to end their Championship run on a high.

Autumn Nations Series and Out-of-Window Test Against Wales

The Springboks will then embark on their European tour as part of the Autumn Nations Series. Their schedule includes high-profile matches against France, Italy, and Ireland, three of the top teams in northern hemisphere rugby.

One of the more unique aspects of South Africa’s 2025 schedule is the final match of the year against Wales, which will take place outside the official World Rugby international window. This means that both teams will be unable to select players contracted to clubs in the English Premiership or France’s Top 14.

The lack of availability of certain star players could make for an interesting contest, forcing both sides to rely on depth and squad rotation. However, the Springboks have been in a similar situation before and will likely manage it effectively by utilizing players based in Japan and South Africa’s domestic leagues.

Rassie Erasmus Plans Additional Fixture

Despite already having 12 Test matches scheduled for 2025, Erasmus has expressed interest in adding an extra match to the calendar before their first two games against Italy.

A statement from SA Rugby confirmed these plans, stating:

“Erasmus said options are being investigated for a match prior to the Castle Lager Incoming Series, when the Boks take on Italy in back-to-back Tests on 5 and 12 July, followed by a clash against Georgia on 19 July.”

This move aligns with the strategy the Springboks employed in 2024 when they played a one-off match against Wales at Twickenham before hosting Ireland in a two-Test series in South Africa. That game, like the proposed additional fixture in 2025, fell outside the official Test window, meaning Erasmus could not select players based in France or England. Instead, he relied on those playing in Japan and other leagues, an approach that could be repeated this time around.

Who Will the Springboks Face in This Extra Game?

At this stage, it remains unclear whether the extra fixture will be played at a neutral venue or in South Africa. However, reports suggest that this match will not be classified as an official Test match, meaning it could serve more as a warm-up game rather than a competitive international.

If the match is not an official Test, it opens the door for the Springboks to either:

1. Field a South Africa A side – This would give fringe players and rising stars a chance to gain experience in the national setup while also allowing senior players to fine-tune their match fitness.
2. Take on an invitational team – In the past, South Africa has faced teams like the World XV, Barbarians, and French Barbarians in exhibition matches. A similar approach could be taken this time, providing an entertaining fixture for fans while allowing the Springboks to experiment with different combinations.
3. Play against a lower-tier international team – This would be an opportunity to test new strategies and blood younger players in a competitive setting while still keeping the intensity high.

Why Adding an Extra Match Makes Sense

For Erasmus and the Springbok coaching staff, adding an additional match is about more than just giving the team extra game time—it’s about preparation and adaptability.

• Maintaining match sharpness – With a long international season ahead, ensuring that players are match-ready is essential. An extra fixture provides a valuable opportunity to work on key areas before the more high-stakes games begin.
• Building squad depth – With the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia on the horizon, testing new players in different situations is crucial. A non-Test match environment allows for greater flexibility in selection and experimentation.
• Financial and commercial benefits – Additional matches can bring in extra revenue for SA Rugby, especially if played at a high-profile venue or against a popular opposition. Matches against invitational sides, such as the Barbarians, often draw large crowds and television audiences.

Final Thoughts

The Springboks’ 2025 schedule is shaping up to be one of their most demanding in recent years, with a series of high-stakes Test matches against some of the world’s best teams. Despite the heavy workload, Rassie Erasmus remains committed to ensuring that South Africa enters each competition in peak condition.

With discussions underway for an additional fixture before the Italy series, fans could be in for another exciting encounter, whether against a traditional opponent, an invitational team, or an emerging rugby nation.

As the Springboks prepare for a year of fierce competition, one thing is clear: Erasmus and his coaching staff are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to keep South Africa at the pinnacle of world rugby.