Baltimore has been confirmed as the host city for the fourth All Blacks test against the Springboks, providing a historic conclusion for their tour of South Africa later this year.
The match will be played at the 71,000-seat M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens NFL franchise on September12.
While the All Blacks and Springboks will contest three tests on South African soil earlier in the tour, the Baltimore clash will provide a historic finale, taking the iconic All Blacks-Springboks rivalry beyond its traditional heartlands.
The All Blacks have been regular visitors to the United States in recent seasons, playing in Chicago, including last year’s come-from-behind win, as well as matches in San Diego and Washington DC. South Africa last played in the US in 2018.
New Zealand Rugby interim chief executive Steve Lancaster said the fixture underlined the importance of the United States for the All Blacks as the sport builds toward the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
“Having the opportunity to once again play in the US, less than a year after our last game, is exciting for the All Blacks and for New Zealand Rugby,” Lancaster said.
M&T Bank Stadium will host the All Blacks and Springboks in 2026. Photo / Getty Images
“This will be the fourth time the All Blacks have played in the US in five years, and it’s great to be in another new city to showcase the spectacle and excitement of rugby.”
It will be the first time Baltimore has hosted a rugby test. The city was one of 27 which entered the application phase to host matches at the 2031 World Cup.
Ravens president Sashi Brown is delighted to welcome both teams to the city.
“The All Blacks-Springboks rivalry is one of the most iconic match-ups in international rugby and we’re thrilled to host these legendary teams at M&T Bank Stadium,” Brown said.
“Our incredible partnership with the State of Maryland, including its support for our ongoing stadium renovations, has helped position M&T Bank Stadium as a world-class venue.
“As one of a handful of premier global sporting events, this rugby match underscores our shared commitment to bringing world-class experiences to Baltimore.”
For the All Blacks, it is the first time in 30 years they have been on such a tour, adding another chapter to what is being promoted as Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
The tour will feature four matches against the nation’s franchise teams from the United Rugby Championship as well as the four tests against the Springboks.
The All Blacks will play matches against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls before their first test with the Springboks. They will then meet the Lions, before a further three clashes with Rassie Erasmus’ side in the Republic, the fourth of which will be held in Baltimore. Two of the three other tests will be in Johannesburg – the first at Ellis Park and the second at FNB Stadium – with the other in Cape Town.
A women’s double-header between the Black Ferns and the Springboks women in Johannesburg will also feature as part of the tour programme.
As well as confirming the 2026 slate, South Africa will visit New Zealand for the next edition of the tour in 2030.
All Blacks fixtures for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour 2026
Friday, August 7: v Stormers, DHL Stadium, Cape Town.
