Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Generated Over R250 Million for SA Rugby, Exceeded Expectations
- SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer confirmed the inaugural Springboks vs All Blacks four-Test series delivered a major financial boost to the governing body
- The series drew the largest crowd in American rugby history when the fourth Test was held in Baltimore
- Oberholzer said the event attracted broader rugby attention far more quickly than SA Rugby had anticipated
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The inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series between the Springboks and All Blacks has delivered more than R250 million to SA Rugby's finances, with the governing body's chief executive confirming the event surpassed all internal projections.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer spoke to Rapport about the financial and strategic impact of the four-Test series, noting that the outcome went well beyond what the organisation had forecast when the concept was first conceived alongside New Zealand Rugby.
Greatest rivalry exceeded SA Rugby's projections
"When the concept was first discussed with New Zealand, we believed that the event had merit as a rugby occasion and one that would excite supporters in both countries," Oberholzer said.
The financial boost is particularly significant given that SA Rugby faces a reduced schedule of home Tests in 2027 due to the Rugby World Cup, which will translate into lower broadcast-rights revenue from SuperSport.
Baltimore Test sets American rugby attendance record
The series reached its conclusion in Baltimore, where the fourth Test drew a crowd of 68,173, the largest attendance ever recorded for a rugby match on American soil.
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Oberholzer also addressed comparisons with the British and Irish Lions tour, acknowledging its unrivalled historical status while asserting that the new series had carved out its own place on the global calendar. The series was published on 20 September 2026, with the fourth Test having taken place on 5 September 2026.
Springboks honour 9/11 victims
Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks paused ahead of their All Blacks clash in Baltimore to observe a moment of silence for 9/11 victims on the 25th anniversary of the attacks
SABC US correspondent Sherwin Bryce-Pease shared the video of the team huddle, which quickly went viral on social media
Source: Briefly News
