The Springboks’ first Test of the year may seem far off on the horizon, but here are the dates for the mid-year Tests to take note of

Test rugby will be back this weekend as the Six Nations kicks off, and there is no doubt that this tournament will be watched very closely by the Springbok coaches.

For one, ever-improving Italy are set to the be the first team welcomed to South Africa during the July Tests, and so their progress during the Six Nations will also be of real interest.

That first Test against Italy will take place on 5 July, which is 157 days from now (29 January), to be exact. Although that may seem like a long wait for Springbok fans, there is then a mouthwatering Test season to look forward to, which includes back-to-back Tests in New Zealand, as well as blockbuster battles against France and Ireland on the end-of-year tour.

Springboks’ 2025 Test schedule:

5 July: vs Italy, Venue TBC
12 July: vs Italy, TBC
19 July: vs Georgia, TBC
16 August: vs Australia, TBC
23 August: vs Australia, TBC
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, TBC
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, TBC
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin

SIX NATIONS 2025 FIXTURES

ROUND 1

Friday, 31 January

France vs Wales (22:15 SA kick off time)

Saturday, 1 February

Scotland vs Italy (16:15 kick off time)

Ireland vs England (18:45 kick off time)

ROUND 2

Saturday, 8 February

Italy vs Wales

England vs France

Sunday, 9 February

Scotland vs Ireland

ROUND 3

Saturday, 22 February

Wales vs Ireland

England vs Scotland

Sunday, 23 February

Italy vs France

ROUND 4

Saturday, 8 March

Ireland vs France

Scotland vs Wales

Sunday, 9 March

England vs Italy

ROUND 5

Saturday, 15 March

Italy vs Ireland

Wales vs England

France vs Scotland

WHICH FIXTURES ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?