Overview
- South Africa will move from broad trials to refinement in 2026 after using more than 50 players and averaging nine changes per Test last year.
- The season opens with a non-cap match against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June before a Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park on 4 July.
- Team manager Charles Wessels said the Springboks will play 13 Tests and spend 135 days together this year.
- The four-Test 'Greatest Rivalry' series with New Zealand concludes at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on 12 September, with SA Rugby citing commercial goals and World Rugby’s U.S. push; tickets are reported close to selling out.
- Erasmus discussed Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie as leading contenders for the All Blacks job, while attack coach Tony Brown said New Zealand will be a formidable opponent regardless of the appointment.