Latest news with #RugbyWorldCup2027
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Springboks, Simbine, Dricus: When to watch Mzansi's finest this weekend
The Springboks meet Australia, Dricus Du Plessis defends his middleweight title at UFC 319 and Akani Simbine races against the best in the world. Here's how you can watch South Africa's finest sportspeople in action this weekend. The best thing? None of these events overlaps. Three Baby Boks who will shine for the Springboks at Rugby World Cup 2027 Akani Simbine, silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is in action at the Silesia Diamond League. His race goes on Saturday, 16 August at 16:58, where he'll face Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson, among others. That's convenient, seeing as though his race will finish in time for the Springboks vs Wallabies test at Ellis Park, kicking off at 17:10. Manie Libbok will start at flyhalf for the Springboks against the Wallabies, with skipper Siya Kolisi playing number 8. Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe both miss out with reported niggles. The Springboks and Wallabies meet on Saturday, 16 August at Ellis Park. Kickoff is at 17:10. What time to pour the brandy? WHOLESOME: New All Blacks call-up named after Springboks legend UFC superstar Dricus Du Plessis meets Russian Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, aiming to proudly defend his middleweight title. The main event goes at roughly 04:00 SA time on Sunday, 17 August. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Herald Sun
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Ticketing programme launched for Rugby World Cup 2027
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News. It's time to get planning rugby fans. The 2027 Rugby World Cup is on its way Down Under and now fans can start booking everything in. The launch of the ticketing programme officially launched in Sydney on Tuesday with over 2.5 million tickets on offer to fans across the globe. It makes it the biggest and most accessible tournament in history with fans able to get their hands on tickets for just $40. Tickets are set to be released in phases starting with a presale in February 2026 for fans who register before the end of January 2026, with further tickets sold via an application phase in May 2026. For the real diehard fans who want to go a notch above, a superfan pass is up for grabs which gives the individual the ability to purchase up to four tickets per match and includes the World Cup opener and final. Chris Stanley, Managing Director of Rugby World Cup 2027 speaks during the launch. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images) 'In total, over 2.5 million tickets will be made available for this expanded edition, more than any previous Men's Rugby World Cup, reflecting the ambition to deliver a tournament that is truly for everyone,' a statement read. 'Making the tournament as accessible as possible for everyone has been a key focus, with ticket prices for adults starting from just $40 for pool matches, and $65 to watch the Wallabies in their home tournament. 'Families have also been a core priority, with children's tickets starting at $20 available for all matches except the semi-finals and the final. The aim is to encourage families to enjoy world- class rugby in an unforgettable setting, creating lifelong memories. Children under two can attend RWC matches for free.' Michael Hooper speaks on stage during the Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia Ticketing Program and Hospitality Launch. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images) The announcement comes on the heels of rugby booming in Australia off the back of the Wallabies taking on the British and Irish Lions tour. The Wallabies were denied an upset win in heartbreaking and controversial fashion after the visitors scored a last-gasp try to claim a thrilling 29-26 victory. Hugo Keenan went over for the Lions in the 79th minute to win it, only for Australia to desperately appeal the try, claiming Jac Morgan had made contact with the head of Carlo Tizzano at the breakdown in the lead-up. Referee Andrea Piardi, however, deemed there to be no foul play in the lead-up, much to the frustration of fans watching on. Despite the back-to-back defeats, interest in the Wallabies has risen and will only keep thriving as the World Cup draws closer. Head to and sign up before 31 January 2026 to access the presale tickets for the World Cup. Originally published as Ticketing programme launched for Rugby World Cup 2027
Daily Maverick
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Watershed 2025 season looms for ageing Springbok stars as Rassie eyes the future
Answers regarding specific Springbok players and combinations will be more important than results over the next four weeks, as the marquee matches of the Rugby Championship draw close. The Springboks will win their next four matches in South Africa by comfortable margins. This prediction is based on the quality of the hosts as well as the make-up of the opposition. The Barbarians only finalised their 23-man squad on Tuesday — four days before the clash against the world champions at the Cape Town Stadium. Meanwhile, Italy have arrived in southern Africa before the two-Test series against the Boks without 10 first-choice players, and the ever-improving Georgia — who will meet the Boks in a one-off on 19 July 2025 — are 11th in the World Rugby rankings. Nevertheless, the Boks have a great deal to gain from this four-match block, with a view to the 2025 Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup 2027. The double-header against New Zealand this September and the tour fixtures against France and Ireland in November are must-wins for a Bok team looking to retain its No 1 ranking before the Rugby World Cup 2027 draw at the end of the year. With development as well as results in mind, coach Rassie Erasmus must strike a balance between youth and experience in his matchday squads. Several youngsters and fringe players will receive more game time in the coming months, while decorated veterans that fail to meet the team's high standards may be phased out. Toughest preseason ever The 'Hunger Games' theme has been pushed by Bok players and coaches alike at press conferences staged over the past two weeks. According to Cheslin Kolbe, who has been with the national side since 2018, the recent conditioning camps have tested the players like never before. Erasmus has spoken about the group's new fitness programmes, and the fact that front-row rookies like Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Jan-Hendrik Wessels have been sent to assistant coach Daan Human's farm in Bloemfontein for a more specialised training regime. After sharing this story at a press conference in Cape Town on Tuesday, Erasmus posted a series of videos on social media. As the footage suggests, training on 'Daan's Farm' is clearly no picnic, and Ntlabakanye, who tipped the scales at 155kg last year, has shed 'between 15 and 18kg' according to Erasmus, as a result. Ultimately, Erasmus has created an environment where rookies and veterans alike are fighting for places in what is a crucial period in the World Cup cycle. The Boks should win their next four games well, but there will be consequences for individuals — particularly those among the ageing contingent — if they approach these fixtures with a complacent attitude. Balancing the scales Some critics have accused Erasmus of taking a conservative approach in the lead-up to the one-off against the Barbarians, given that only four uncapped players – Ntlabakanye, Vincent Tshituka, Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouché – have been included in the matchday 23. The reality is that the playing squad includes several layers of experience, as Erasmus continues to strive for the right balance. The days of selecting an entirely young side or a team stacked exclusively with veterans are long gone. Morné van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Wessels are only in their second season of international rugby, while an older player such as Jean Kleyn has played just seven Tests for the Boks. Lood de Jager and Jean-Luc du Preez will represent the team for the first time since 2023. Siya Kolisi, Jesse Kriel, Malcolm Marx and other seniors will be on hand to guide the starting side, while further veterans in Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith and Cobus Reinach have been included on the bench. The latter has been a big talking point in recent seasons — and it's now accepted that the balance of South Africa's Bomb Squad is almost more important than that of the starting XV. Those who have followed the Bok selections over the past few years will know that the line-up for the Barbarians match should be a taste of things to come. Erasmus is looking for answers this season, regarding individuals as well as combinations, before the Rugby Championship and other big matches that follow. More experimentation to come Injuries have forced Erasmus' hand in the front row, with one prominent member of the old guard forced to retire. Since Steven Kitshoff made this announcement in February, two more double World Cup-winners in Frans Malherbe and Trevor Nyakane have sustained season-ending injuries. It's unclear whether they will play for the Boks again, given the nature of those injuries (back and Achilles) and the fact that both props are in their mid-thirties. Two more props — Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntuthuko Mchunu — have been ruled out of the mid-year matches, which has resulted in opportunities for the untried Ntlabakanye and Fouché. Looking ahead to the Tests in July, the likes of Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw should play a greater role for the Bok front row. Du Toit and Louw have sat behind Kitshoff, Malherbe and others in the pecking order for several years, but 2025 could be their time. Du Toit recently won the English Premiership title with Bath, while Louw was one of the Bulls' best players in the United Rugby Championship. Over the course of the games against Italy and Georgia, Erasmus will look to give a few other rookies opportunities. Some felt that Ethan Hooker should have been included for the outing against the Barbarians, but it seems more than likely that the 22-year-old utility back will make his debut against Italy, as the Bok coaches look to gauge his ability before the more demanding matches to follow. If the Boks pick up a few more injuries, the Bulls lock-cum-blindside Cobus Wiese as well as Edinburgh prop Boan Venter could also get a run towards the end of the series. Blooding rookies Apart from blooding rookies and giving fringe players more game time, Erasmus has to bring senior players up to speed over the next four matches, before the Boks go into battle with the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Argentina — and France and Ireland at the end of the year. Current World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit hasn't played since injuring his shoulder in the Test against England last November. Jasper Wiese and Faf de Klerk are short of a gallop, while Manie Libbok will feature against the Barbarians after an injury-disrupted season with the Stormers. Damian Willemse missed the entire 2024 Test season, and should be recalled to the matchday squad once his current suspension expires. Eben Etzebeth, another leader within the squad, has battled with injuries throughout the club season, and will want to prove a point when given the opportunity against Italy. The list of established players needing game time goes on. Grant Williams will get a run later in the series once he recovers from injury, while Canan Moodie, another fringe member of the 2023 World Cup squad who is touted to spearhead the 2027 title assault, also needs to be factored into the equation. While the situation highlights South Africa's depth, Erasmus is under pressure to get his selections right over the next four weeks. Answers regarding specific players and combinations will be more important than results, as the marquee matches of the Rugby Championship draw close. DM
The South African
03-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
When do Springbok Rugby Championship tickets go on sale?
The Springboks' season is nearly upon us, with tickets having already been snapped up for the season-opener against the Barbarians on 28 June, as well as the July Tests against Italy and Georgia in July. It's worth remembering that tickets for the Springboks' home matches in their defence of the Rugby Championship title will soon go on sale, on Friday 13 June. The start to the Bok season not only represents an opportunity to see the back-to-back World Champions in local action but also launches a year in which the Springboks will be fighting to defend their No. 1 world ranking to secure the most favourable draw for Rugby World Cup 2027. Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: 'This is more than just the start of the season, it's a chance for South Africans to once again unite behind a team that brings pride to the nation in a critical year for World Cup preparation. 'We had an amazing 2024 and we're looking forward to seeing South Africans fill stadiums with passionate supporters, enjoying the experience as a memorable kick-off to a year filled with big challenges and even bigger opportunities.' 28 June: vs Barbarians, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:05. 5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria. Kick off: 17:10. 12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha. Kick off: 17:10. 19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit. Kick off: 17:10. 16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg. Kick off: 17:10. 23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:10. 6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland. Kick off: 09:05. 13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington. Kick off: 09:05. 27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban. Kick off: 17:10. 4 October: vs Argentina, London. Kick off: 15:00. 8 November: vs France, Paris. Kick off: TBD. 15 November: vs Italy, Turin. Kick off: TBD. 22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin. Kick off: 19:40. 29 November: vs Wales, Cardiff. Kick off: 17:10. *SA Rugby are working on adding two more Tests for the Springboks, likely to be against Japan and Portug 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. Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October. Ticket sales Tickets are on sale via and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s. (*booking fees apply)
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fit-again Feyi-Waboso named in England training camp
Exeter and England wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's prospects of playing Test rugby this summer increased after the 22-year-old was selected for a two-day England training camp this week. Feyi-Waboso has not played since dislocating his shoulder in December, with his comeback delayed by a setback suffered at an England camp in February. Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson, Leicester back row Emeke Ilione and Sale midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White are also included in a 33-strong group that does not include either British and Irish Lions, or players from Northampton and Bath, who are preparing for European finals this weekend. Gloucester's 20-year-old prop Afolabi Fasogbon, who was ruled out of Six Nations contention with an ankle injury, is named, along with the likes of Jamie George, George Ford and Ben Curry, who missed out on Lions selection earlier this month. In 2017, England toured Argentina in the same summer that the Lions were taking on New Zealand. A teenage Tom Curry and Sam Underhill made their Test debuts against the Pumas and a little more than two years later were key parts of a Rugby World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand. Head coach Steve Borthwick expects similar to happen again this year with 13 of his players selected for the Lions tour of Australia. "There is no doubt players will emerge this summer and will be part of the Rugby World Cup 2027 squad that wouldn't have been if we had to pick it today," he told 5 Live Sport. "I have no doubt. It is the same thing that happened in 2017 - players grab the opportunity. "I told them today that opportunity rises and change happens – the players that get the chance have to grab hold of it with both hands." Forwards: Joe Batley (Bristol Bears), Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Richard Capstick (Exeter Chiefs), Arthur Clark (Gloucester Rugby), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester Rugby), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Emeka Ilione (Leicester Tigers), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Jack Kenningham (Harlequins), Gabriel Oghre (Bristol Bears), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Shark), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks), Tom Willis (Saracens) Backs: Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), Oscar Beard (Harlequins), Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks), Tobias Elliott (Saracens), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Rekeiti Ma'asi-White (Sale Sharks), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Luke Northmore (Harlequins), Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers) Feyi-Waboso had a breakout campaign last season, scoring his first international try off the bench in Six Nations defeat by Scotland, before crossing in all three matches on England's summer tour of Japan and New Zealand. His top-end pace brings an extra dimension to England's attack and was sorely missed despite the team finishing second in this year's Six Nations. Exeter and England publicly disagreed over how his injury treated, with the recently-signed Professional Game Partnership giving England a greater say in the conditioning and rehabilitation of their centrally contracted players. Exeter head coach Rob Baxter indicated earlier this month that Feyi-Waboso could get a run-out in the Chiefs' final game of the season against Sale on 31 May. Intriguingly, British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell suggested that he would supplement his initial 38-man selection for the tour of Australia with later call-ups for those who need a chance to prove their fitness. England will play Argentina in Buenos Aires and San Juan on 5 July and 12 July respectively before a one-off Test against the United States on 19 July in Washington. They will play an uncapped warm-up match against a France XV on 21 June at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. Listen: Sport's Strangest Crimes - Bloodgate Listen to the latest Rugby Union Weekly podcast
