Boks to play 15 Tests, Baabaas in 2025

RUGBY NEWS - The world champion Springboks are looking to add two more Tests to their 2025 schedule and will also face the Barbarians in June.

While details on the additional matches remain undisclosed, Rassie Erasmus revealed in a Bok conference today that he has requested 15 Tests, ensuring players are in camp for 137 days.

The Boks will open their season against Italy at Loftus Versfeld on July 5, before facing them again in Gqeberha a week later. A clash with Georgia in Mbombela follows on July 19.

The Boks will then take on the Barbarians on June 28 before defending their The Rugby Championship title, starting with two home Tests against Australia in Johannesburg (August 16) and Cape Town (August 23).

Back-to-back fixtures in New Zealand (September 6 and 13) precede a home Test against Argentina in Durban (September 27) and a Twickenham rematch with the Pumas (October 4).

“We are hoping for 15 matches, and they should be confirmed soon,” Erasmus said. “We have a tough season, but we need that. We still want to filter players and give others opportunities.”

The Bok coach is balancing long-term planning with the need to stay competitive, knowing some players may not make it to 2027. “We can’t plan a guy’s career just around a world cup. If he is the best in his position, it would be unfair not to pick him,” Erasmus said. “That’s why we want 15 (Tests) – to give other guys a chance.”

Venues for three of the Boks’ year-end Tests have been confirmed, with Erasmus’ men set to face France at Stade de France in Paris (November 8), Italy at Allianz Stadium in Turin (November 22), and Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (November 29). The location of their fourth Test, against Wales, is yet to be announced but is pencilled in to be played in Cardiff.

Meanwhile, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who will be 34 this year and 36 by the next Rugby World Cup, remains central to Erasmus’ plans. “If a guy is 34 to 36 and injury-free, as long as he’s number one in his position, he will stay captain,” he said.

“If Siya is fit and healthy, I don’t think there will be a change this year.”

Erasmus also welcomed the return of Felix Jones, who rejoined the Boks after a brief stint with England. “We never wanted to lose Felix, he went home for his family. It didn’t work out for whatever reason there,” he said.

“His rugby brain and work ethic will be used in all departments.”

2025 Springbok schedule: