Springboks to face Barbarians in historic Qatar Airways Cup clash in Cape Town

RUGBY fans are in for a spectacular showdown as the Springboks prepare to face the Barbarians in a highly anticipated clash for the Qatar Airways Cup on Saturday, 28 June, at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

This historic encounter marks the first time the Qatar Airways Cup will be contested on South African soil and promises a rugby spectacle between two of the sport’s most iconic sides. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Qatar Airways, who also confirmed that this will be the third edition of the prestigious fixture.

Boks still unbeaten

The Springboks are unbeaten in the Qatar Airways Cup, having defeated New Zealand in 2023 and Wales in 2022, both matches taking place in London. The upcoming match will offer local fans a rare opportunity to witness the Boks take on the flamboyant and diverse Barbarians at home.

The match is being staged in partnership with Pitch International and comes as part of Qatar Airways’ expanding involvement in international rugby. The airline is already a key sponsor of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) competitions, and the upcoming Qatar Airways Lions Tour to Australia set for 2025.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Qatar Airways Cup to Cape Town for the first time, a city we have proudly served for two decades,” said Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer. “This match between two of the sport’s most storied teams is a fitting celebration of rugby’s unifying spirit and showcases our growing commitment to the global rugby community.”

An Exciting Partnership

The 2025 fixture also coincides with a major milestone for Qatar Airways, which will be celebrating 20 years of operations in South Africa next year. The airline connects the country with 28 weekly flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer expressed enthusiasm for bringing the match to local shores.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Pitch International to bring this landmark fixture to South Africa and to Qatar Airways for their support,” said Oberholzer. “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter in our efforts to grow the game and connect with fans across the globe.”

The Barbarians, known for their attacking flair and a proud tradition of bringing together stars from around the world, have already confirmed three Test centurions in their squad. They will be coached by Robbie Deans, one of the most respected names in international coaching. Players are expected from top leagues, including the Vodacom URC, French Top 14, English Premiership, Super Rugby, and the Japanese League.

Significant Event

Andy Marinos, Chief Commercial Officer of Pitch International, highlighted the significance of the event:

“Bringing the Barbarians to South African soil to face the Springboks for the first time is a proud moment,” said Marinos. “This fixture is a celebration of global rugby and reflects our ambition to bring the biggest events to the most passionate rugby audiences worldwide.”

This will be the ninth encounter between the Springboks and the Barbarians. Their last meeting ended in a thrilling 31-31 draw at Wembley Stadium in 2016. Given the high calibre of the players and the electric atmosphere expected in Cape Town, the 2025 edition is poised to be just as memorable.

With anticipation already building, tickets are selling fast. Fans are encouraged to book early through Ticketmaster.co.za to be part of what promises to be an unforgettable day of rugby.