Latest news with #RobbieDeans
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
REVEALED: What the Springboks and BaaBaas will play for!
SA Rugby has confirmed that the Qatar Airways Cup will be up for grabs when the Springboks take on the Barbarians in an historic clash on Saturday, 28 June at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. It will be the third edition of the Qatar Airways Cup, an event that has quickly become an exciting staple on the global rugby calendar. The Springboks won both previous encounters for the trophy, against New Zealand in 2023 and Wales last year, both in London. The match, hosted in collaboration with Pitch International, forms part of the airline's growing footprint in global rugby, complementing Qatar Airways' sponsorships of the United Rugby Championship and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) competitions, as well as the forthcoming Qatar Airways Lions Tour to Australia, later in 2025. Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: 'We are delighted to collaborate with Pitch International to bring this landmark fixture to South Africa, and to Qatar Airways for their support. 'Pitch International's global expertise in event delivery and promotion makes them the perfect partner to help showcase the Springboks and Barbarians to a worldwide audience. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter in our efforts to grow the game and connect with fans across the globe.' The Barbarians are renowned for their flair, creativity and international diversity, and will be coached by the highly experienced and respected Robbie Deans. The squad will feature stars from the Vodacom URC, French Top 14, English Premiership, Super Rugby, and the Japanese League. The Qatar Airways Cup clash will mark the ninth meeting between the Springboks and the famous black-and-white-clad Barbarians, and their first encounter since an exciting 31-31 draw at Wembley Stadium in London on 5 November 2016. Tickets for the Qatar Airways Cup are selling fast and a capacity crowd is expected. Don't miss out – secure your tickets online today from Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Barbarians to tackle Springboks in South Africa for the first time
Barbarians to tackle Springboks in South Africa for the first time The Springboks will host the Barbarians in June when they line up on South African soil for the first time in the history of the famed, Britain-based invitational team. The Boks will open the season against the Baabaas at Cape Town Stadium on June 28, the ninth meeting between the teams and the first since November 2016, when the match at Wembley Stadium ended in a 31-31 draw. The Barbarians will be coached by former All Blacks coach Robbie Deans. 'This is an historic moment and it will be very special to welcome the Barbarians to South Africa for the first time,' said SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer. 'The Springboks wanted a match before the series against Italy to prepare and we're really grateful to our friends at the Barbarians and Pitch for assisting in bringing this encounter to life.' Since the first clash between the sides in 1952, the Barbarians have won four games and the Springboks three, to add to the draw nine years ago. The Boks' last victory over the Barbarians was on December 10, 2000 in Cardiff, by 41-31. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said the match would be the perfect trigger to get his players into match-mode before the Test season commences with two Tests against Italy (July 5 and 12) and one against Georgia (July 19). 'It's always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and this match will be particularly special as it marks the first time that we will face them in South Africa,' said Erasmus. 'For us this will be the perfect opportunity to get the players match-ready for the official international season, which starts a week later. 'With a big squad one can simulate a match situation, but there is nothing like a proper international with the full build-up and the pressure to get the players battle ready, so this is a great occasion for us. 'With the Barbarians team featuring players from across the world, they are tough to analyse, so the key for us will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field.' Deans, who will be assisted by Patrice Collazo (Racing 92, France), Atsushi Kanazawa (Saitama Wild Knights, Japan) and former All Black lock Sam Whitelock, said: 'It is exciting news to have the iconic Barbarians announced to play against the World Champion Springboks in Cape Town in late June – these are two of the biggest brands in the game. 'The last occasion these two teams met at Wembley resulted in a draw. The Springboks have achieved a lot since that day, this will be an altogether different challenge on-site in South Africa. 'We are hopeful of putting together a combination that will provide the sort of spectacle that the occasion deserves.' Erasmus added: 'We may have had a satisfying 2024 season, but this is a new year and a fresh challenge, and we'd like to start strong and build momentum as the season progresses. 'We have a tough year ahead, and the Barbarians, who are usually laden with seasoned internationals, will provide the perfect test.' The post Barbarians to tackle Boks in South Africa for the first time appeared first on SA Rugby Magazine.
RTHK
02-05-2025
- Sport
- RTHK
Barbarians to play in South Africa for first time
Barbarians to play in South Africa for first time The match will be the first since the epic 31-31 draw at London's Wembley Stadium in 2016. Photo: AFP The Barbarians will break new ground when they play a match in South Africa for the first time by taking on the world champion Springboks in Cape Town on June 28. The fixture will be the ninth between the Barbarians and the Springboks and the first since November 2016, when the teams were involved in a 31-31 draw at London's Wembley Stadium. The Barbarians, rugby union's most famous invitational side will again be coached by Robbie Deans, with the veteran New Zealander set to select a multi-national squad that will be announced in due course. "We are hopeful of putting together a combination that will provide the sort of spectacle that the occasion deserves," said Deans in a Barbarians statement. Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus added the match would be ideal preparation ahead of his team's July internationals against Italy (two Tests) and Georgia. "It's always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and this match will be particularly special as it marks the first time that we will face them in South Africa," said Erasmus. "For us this will be the perfect opportunity to get the players match-ready for the official international season, which starts a week later." (AFP)
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Barbarians invade SA for the first time to take on Springboks
Siya Kolisi Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has played for the Barbarians before. Photo: LEON LESTRADE Independent Media Image: LEON LESTRADE Independent Media A Barbarian horde – at least the rugby variety – will invade South Africa for the first time when the Springboks launch their 2025 season against the renowned invitational outfit at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, June 28. The Barbarians – consisting of players from the United Rugby Championship, French Top 14, English Premiership, Super Rugby and the Japanese League – will be coached by the experienced Robbie Deans, a former All Black who was also in charge of the Wallabies and the Crusaders. The BaaBaas are known for their fast-paced, attacking and open style of play, focusing on entertainment and fun rather than winning. Their matches are also celebrated for their camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere. South African rugby fans are in for a special treat. The match is being organised and promoted by Pitch International, the London-based sports marketing agency. Barbarians Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and a number of his SA teammates celebrate a Barbarians' win over Argentina. Photo: @Barbarian_FC/Twitter Image: Barbarians Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Historically such matches have been hosted overseas – usually in London – but Pitch agreed to bring the game to South Africa in preparation for the Incoming Series opener against Italy in Pretoria a week later. The match in Cape Town in June will be the ninth between the Boks and the famous black-and-white-clad club, and the first since November 5, 2016, when the teams played to a 31-31 draw at Wembley Stadium in London. 'This is an historic moment and it will be very special to welcome the Barbarians to South Africa for the first time,' said SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer. Since the first clash between the sides in 1952, the Barbarians have won four games and the Springboks three, to add to the draw nine years ago. The Boks' last victory over the Barbarians was on December 10, 2000 in Cardiff, by 41-31. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said the match would be the perfect trigger to get his players into match-mode before the Incoming Series, which features two Tests against Italy (July 5 and 12) and one against Georgia (July 19). 'It's always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and this match will be particularly special as it marks the first time that we will face them in South Africa,' said Erasmus. 'For us this will be the perfect opportunity to get the players match-ready for the official international season, which starts a week later. 'With a big squad one can simulate a match situation, but there is nothing like a proper international with the full build-up and the pressure to get the players battle ready, so this is a great occasion for us. 'With the Barbarians team featuring players from across the world, they are tough to analyse, so the key for us will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field.' Deans, who will be assisted by Patrice Collazo (Racing 92, France), Atsushi Kanazawa (Saitama Wild Knights, Japan) and former All Black lock Sam Whitelock, said: 'It is exciting news to have the iconic Barbarians announced to play against the world champion Springboks in Cape Town in late June – these are two of the biggest brands in the game. 'The last occasion these two teams met at Wembley resulted in a draw. 'The Springboks have achieved a lot since that day, this will be an altogether different challenge on-site in South Africa. 'We are hopeful of putting together a combination that will provide the sort of spectacle that the occasion deserves.' Tickets for the match – priced from R250 – will go on sale from Tuesday next week via Ticketmaster.
Eyewitness News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
Boks open 2025 campaign with historic match against BaaBaas
CAPE TOWN - The Springboks will open their 2025 season with a historic match against the Barbarians on home soil. The match, the ninth meeting between the two sides, will be played in Cape Town on 28 June and will be the first time that the invitational side plays in South Africa. The Barbarians will be coached by former Wallabies and Crusaders coach, Robbie Deans. The match is the first meeting between the sides since the 31-all draw in November 2016 at London's Wembley Stadium and will be in preparation for the Springboks' Incoming Series opener against Italy in Pretoria on 5 July. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said the match against the Barbarians would be the "perfect opportunity" to get his players match-ready for the Incoming Series. "It's always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and this match will be particularly special as it marks the first time that we will face them in South Africa," said Erasmus. "For us this will be the perfect opportunity to get the players match-ready for the official international season, which starts a week later. "With a big squad, one can simulate a match situation, but there is nothing like a proper international with the full build-up and the pressure to get the players battle ready, so this is a great occasion for us. "With the Barbarians team featuring players from across the world, they are tough to analyse, so the key for us will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field."
