Siya Kolisi on the Springbok All Blacks Tour: “A Once-in-a-Generation Moment for Rugby”

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is fired up for what could be one of the most significant rugby events of the decade the newly announced Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour, which will see the Springboks and All Blacks go head-to-head in an extended four-Test series across South Africa in 2026.

A Tour For The Ages

For Kolisi, this isn’t just another series it’s a dream come true. Speaking after the announcement, the Bok skipper described the upcoming tour as a monumental chapter for both nations.

“Rugby’s greatest rivalry is coming to South Africa, and it’s really exciting,” Kolisi said. “We’ve heard stories about these old-school tours, but we’ve never experienced anything like this as a team.”

The tour, which will take place in August and September 2026, will feature the All Blacks facing South Africa’s four United Rugby Championship (URC) franchises the DHL Stormers, Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls, and Emirates Lions before locking horns with the Boks in a four-Test series.

It’s the kind of rugby odyssey that throws back to the golden era of international tours, blending national pride with grassroots connection.

A New Era Of Rivalry

The series will alternate between the two rugby powerhouses every four years, with New Zealand set to host in 2030. Remarkably, this will mark the Springboks’ first extended tour of New Zealand in the professional era something Kolisi believes will define a generation of players.

“I hope most of us are still around to experience that side of it too,” he said. “This kind of tour is rare; it’s something we’ll tell our children about one day.”

It’s been nearly 30 years since the All Blacks last toured South Africa in 1996, a visit that ended with New Zealand winning the Test series 2–1. That historic tour marked the dawn of professionalism in rugby and now, nearly three decades later, another chapter is being written.

South Africa Ready To Host The World

Kolisi’s message to fans is clear: this is more than just rugby it’s a chance to showcase South Africa to the world.

“This series is going to be massive,” he said. “It’s about spirit, respect, and pride. We want the world to see what South Africa can do on and off the field.”

Rugby fans have already flooded social media with excitement, with hashtags like #BokAllBlackTour and #RugbysGreatestRivalry trending within hours of the announcement. Many fans have called it “the closest thing to a World Cup between two teams,” while others say they’re already planning road trips to follow the games across the country.

The Spirit Of The Game Lives On

The Springbok–All Blacks rivalry has always been more than just sport it’s a story of mutual respect, fierce competition, and shared legacy. Kolisi’s enthusiasm captures the anticipation felt by rugby lovers across both hemispheres.

“This game has always been played in great spirit,” he said. “There’s no doubt this series will be something special something this generation will never forget. We can’t wait.”

With tickets expected to sell out faster than a Test match try, the 2026 Springbok–All Blacks Tour isn’t just about who wins it’s about celebrating a rivalry that defines rugby itself.

{Source:SABC News}

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