Springboks Fixtures November 2026: Nations Championship Dates, Venues and Kick-Off Times
November 2026 is the first time the Springboks’ end-of-year Tests count towards a full competition. The Nations Championship replaced the old stand-alone end-of-year tours, and every result now affects where the Boks finish.
Springboks November 2026 Fixtures at a Glance
| Round | Date | Match | Venue | Kick-off (SA time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 4 | Saturday, 7 November 2026 | Italy v South Africa | Allianz Stadium (Juventus Stadium), Turin | 13:40 |
| Round 5 | Friday, 13 November 2026 | France v South Africa | Stade de France, Paris | 22:10 |
| Round 6 | Saturday, 21 November 2026 | Ireland v South Africa | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | 18:40 |
| Finals | 27 to 29 November 2026 | Placement final (opponent decided by the standings) | Twickenham Stadium, London | Depends on final position |
Kick-off times are as listed by match centres such as RugbyPass in South African time (SAST). Broadcasters sometimes adjust times, so check the SuperSport schedule in the week of each match.
What Is the Nations Championship?
The Nations Championship is a new international rugby competition that started in 2026. Twelve teams are split into two pools of six:
- Southern pool: South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Japan and Fiji.
- Northern pool: England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy.
Each team plays the six teams in the other pool. The Southern teams hosted the first three rounds in July, and the Northern teams host the last three rounds in November. After six rounds, teams in the same position in each pool meet in a final placing match at Twickenham.
How the Springboks Are Doing So Far
The Springboks hosted England, Scotland and Wales in July 2026 and won all three matches. That put South Africa top of the Southern pool after three rounds, with 15 points from three wins and three try bonus points, level on points with New Zealand.
The three November Tests away from home decide whether the Boks finish first in their pool and reach the Nations Championship final.
Round 4: Italy v South Africa, 7 November
The first November Test is against Italy in Turin on Saturday, 7 November 2026. Italy had not won any of their three July matches in the competition. It is also the only one of the three November Tests played in the early afternoon South African time.
Round 5: France v South Africa, 13 November
The Boks then travel to Paris to face France at the Stade de France on Friday, 13 November 2026. It is a Friday night match, so kick-off in South Africa is late in the evening. France were top of the Northern pool after the July rounds.
Round 6: Ireland v South Africa, 21 November
The last pool match is against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, 21 November 2026. Matches between South Africa and Ireland have been among the closest in world rugby in recent years, and this one could decide the pool standings.
Nations Championship Finals at Twickenham, 27 to 29 November
All placing finals are played at Twickenham Stadium in London. The team that finishes first in the Southern pool plays the team that finishes first in the Northern pool in the final.
| Match | Date | Kick-off (SA time) |
|---|---|---|
| Eleventh place final (6th v 6th) | Friday, 27 November 2026 | 18:40 |
| Fifth place final (3rd v 3rd) | Friday, 27 November 2026 | 22:10 |
| Ninth place final (5th v 5th) | Saturday, 28 November 2026 | 15:10 |
| Third place final (2nd v 2nd) | Saturday, 28 November 2026 | 18:40 |
| Seventh place final (4th v 4th) | Sunday, 29 November 2026 | 15:10 |
| Nations Championship Final (1st v 1st) | Sunday, 29 November 2026 | 18:40 |
Times are converted from the published UK times (GMT) by adding two hours.
How to Watch the Springboks in South Africa
- TV: SuperSport shows the Nations Championship matches live on DStv.
- Streaming: DStv Stream for DStv subscribers.
If you plan to watch at a pub or braai, remember the France match is on a Friday night and starts after 22:00.
Springboks 2026 Season Calendar
| Month | Competition | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | Nations Championship, rounds 1 to 3 (home) | England, Scotland, Wales |
| November 2026 | Nations Championship, rounds 4 to 6 (away) | Italy, France, Ireland |
| 27 to 29 November 2026 | Nations Championship finals | Placement match at Twickenham |
For other important dates this year, see our South Africa public holidays 2026 page and the 2027 long weekend planner.
Springboks November 2026 Questions
When do the Springboks play in November 2026?
On 7 November against Italy, 13 November against France and 21 November against Ireland, followed by a placing final at Twickenham between 27 and 29 November.
What time is the Springboks v Ireland match?
The Ireland v South Africa match on Saturday, 21 November 2026 is listed for 18:40 South African time.
Where is the Nations Championship final?
At Twickenham Stadium in London on Sunday, 29 November 2026, at 18:40 South African time.
Will the Springboks play in the Nations Championship final?
Only if they finish first in the Southern pool after the November matches. They were top of the pool after the July rounds.
Which channel shows the Springboks in South Africa?
SuperSport, on DStv and DStv Stream.
5 Comments
Comments are closed.