Gauteng opened the Springboks’ 2026 international home season when South Africa beat England 45–21 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 4 July. The match was the opening fixture of the new Nations Championship and drew supporters to the city for the first of several major international rugby events scheduled in Gauteng this season.
The next Gauteng Test takes place at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, 11 July, when the Springboks face Scotland. Gauteng will then host further matches against New Zealand at Ellis Park and FNB Stadium in August and September, making the province a key venue for the 2026 international rugby calendar.
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Springboks Beat England at Ellis Park
The Springboks began their Nations Championship campaign with a 45–21 win over England at Ellis Park.
South Africa’s victory followed a high-intensity match in Johannesburg, where the home side’s physicality and attacking play proved decisive. The result gives the Springboks an early win in the competition before they travel to Pretoria for their next fixture against Scotland.
The England match also marked the start of a run of major rugby events in Gauteng, with Pretoria and Johannesburg set to host several of the country’s biggest fixtures over the next two months.
Springbok Matches Still Coming to Gauteng
Supporters can expect three more Springbok Tests in Gauteng during the 2026 home season.
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 11 July 2026 | South Africa vs Scotland | Loftus Versfeld | Pretoria |
| Saturday, 22 August 2026 | South Africa vs New Zealand | Ellis Park | Johannesburg |
| Saturday, 5 September 2026 | South Africa vs New Zealand | FNB Stadium | Johannesburg |
The Scotland match forms part of the Nations Championship, while the two New Zealand Tests are part of the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The Springboks will also play Wales at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on Saturday, 18 July.
Scotland Match Set for Loftus Versfeld
The Springboks will host Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 11 July, with kick-off scheduled for 17:40.
The Pretoria fixture is the second home match in the Nations Championship and gives supporters in Tshwane an opportunity to attend an international Test during the July rugby calendar.
Tickets are available through the official Springbok ticketing platform.
New Zealand Series Brings Rugby’s Biggest Rivalry to Gauteng
Gauteng will host two Springbok Tests against New Zealand later in the season.
The first Gauteng-based Test against the All Blacks will be played at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August. The series then returns to Johannesburg on Saturday, 5 September, when FNB Stadium hosts another Springboks–All Blacks Test.
The wider tour also includes a Bulls versus New Zealand fixture at Loftus Versfeld on 15 August and a Lions versus New Zealand match at Ellis Park on 25 August.
PRASA Runs Dedicated Services for July Fixtures
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa will operate dedicated match-day rail services for the Springboks’ July home fixtures in Gauteng.
For the Springboks versus England match at Ellis Park, PRASA operated a free shuttle between Johannesburg Park Station and Ellis Park for valid ticket holders. A second service ran between Germiston Station and Ellis Park, with a return ticket costing R20.
For the Springboks versus Scotland match at Loftus Versfeld on 11 July, PRASA will operate a shuttle between Pretoria Station and Loftus Station. Trains will run every 15 minutes from 13:00 to 17:30 before the match and from 19:45 to 20:15 after the final whistle.
A return ticket will cost R20. Limited paid parking will also be available at Pretoria Station for R50.
PRASA said the services form part of its effort to provide safe, reliable and affordable public transport for major national events, with links to Gautrain and other transport options.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The 2026 Springbok season brings major sporting events to Johannesburg and Pretoria across July, August and September.
The fixtures are expected to draw local supporters, domestic visitors and international rugby audiences into Gauteng’s stadium precincts, hospitality venues and transport network. They also create opportunities for businesses around Ellis Park, Loftus Versfeld and FNB Stadium during match weekends.
For spectators, the PRASA services offer a rail option for the July fixtures, particularly for supporters travelling through Johannesburg Park Station, Germiston Station and Pretoria Station.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Springbok match in Gauteng?
South Africa will play Scotland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, 11 July 2026.
What time is the Springboks vs Scotland match?
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:40 on Saturday, 11 July.
Which Springbok matches against New Zealand will be played in Gauteng?
The Springboks will play New Zealand at Ellis Park on 22 August and at FNB Stadium on 5 September 2026.
Is PRASA running trains for the Scotland match?
Yes. PRASA will operate a shuttle service between Pretoria Station and Loftus Station on 11 July. Trains will run every 15 minutes before and after the match.
How much is the PRASA train to Loftus Versfeld?
A return ticket costs R20. Limited paid parking at Pretoria Station costs R50.
What Happens Next
The Springboks now prepare to face Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on 11 July before the team continues its home schedule against Wales in Durban. Gauteng’s next major rugby fixtures will follow in August, when the All Blacks tour brings matches to Pretoria and Johannesburg.
