Springboks vs All Blacks: How Much Did SA Rugby Earn From the Series?
- The four-Test Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series between the Springboks and All Blacks generated significant off-field income for SA Rugby
- The Baltimore Test alone produced an estimated $8 million in total earnings, with revenue split equally between both unions
- SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer revealed why taking the final Test to the United States made financial and strategic sense
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SA Rugby is projected to have earned between R170 million and R200 million from the recently concluded Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (RGR) Series, following the Springboks' 3-1 series victory over New Zealand.
The four-Test series, which drew capacity crowds across South Africa and the United States, proved to be as lucrative off the field as it was successful on it.
**South African Tests Brought in Tens of Millions Each**
The first three matches, held at Ellis Park, Cape Town Stadium, and FNB Stadium, each generated between R60 million and R80 million in revenue, driven by sold-out attendances. Under a 50-50 revenue-sharing arrangement that covers ticket sales, hospitality, merchandise, broadcasting rights, and matchday concessions, SA Rugby is estimated to have collected upwards of R100 million from those three fixtures alone.
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The series finale in Baltimore, Maryland, produced an estimated $8 million (approximately R129 million to R130 million) in total earnings. With the same equal split applied, each union received roughly $4 million, or around R64.5 million. Some reports place the per-union return from the Baltimore match at between R84 million and R90 million when individual commercial activations, union-specific broadcast deals, and logistical subsidies from World Rugby are factored in.
World Rugby contributed financial support and subsidies to both unions as part of its broader strategy to grow the sport in the United States ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
**Oberholzer Defends the Baltimore Decision**
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer addressed the reasoning behind staging the final Test in the United States in an interview with the New York Times. "We wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't substantial," he said.
Oberholzer had previously explained the rationale when the Baltimore fixture was first announced: "Taking the Springboks to new audiences and territories is a key objective for South African rugby. The opportunity to do so in a ground-breaking match against our fiercest rivals was a major determinant in where the fourth Test would be played."
The financial windfall arrives at a strategically useful moment for South African rugby, with the governing body now better positioned to fund future operations, player development, and international tours.
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Source: Briefly News
