Springboks lock in crucial Fiji Test before Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027

Before the Springboks kick off another Rugby World Cup title defence against Italy on October 3, 2027, the two-time reigning world champions will take on the Flying Fijians in a crucial warm-up Test on Australia’s Central Coast.

South Africa Rugby and the Fiji Rugby Union have confirmed the national teams will play a Test two weeks before Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 gets underway. The match will be held at Polytec Stadium in Gosford on Saturday, September 18.

The Flying Fijians are looking to build on a quarter-final appearance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, while the Springboks are chasing an unprecedented three-peat. Both teams will base themselves on the Central Coast leading into and following the Test.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi attended the official announcement on the Central Coast, which was held exactly one year out from the match. The Boks are currently in Australia preparing to face the Wallabies, following the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series.

“We are very excited about the announcement of the clash against Fiji as part of our preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and for the opportunity to play another Test match in Gosford on the Central Coast after last facing the Pacific Islanders there in 2004,” Erasmus said.

“Fiji are a quality team who have consistently tested some of the top sides in the world over the last few years, and they proved that they can be a force to be reckoned with by advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, so it’s certainly going to be a great test for our team before the international spectacle in Australia.

“They are one of the top 10 ranked teams in the world, and they are a physical and talented side who will undoubtedly want to take full advantage of the match, similarly to us, before the Rugby World Cup kicks off.

“I’d like to thank everyone who made this possible from the Central Coast and SA Rugby, and I have no doubt it is going to be an exciting encounter in an area where both teams enjoy fantastic support.”

The match is scheduled for a 6:00pm (local time) (10:00am SA time) kick-off, with a capacity of 20,000 tickets to be made available. Tickets will go on sale later this month on September 29 at 10:00 am (SA time), with high demand expected.

South Africa start their World Cup defence against Six Nations side Italy at Adelaide Oval, before facing Georgia at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and Romania in Perth. Fiji have been drawn in pool C with Argentina, Spain and Canada.

“Fiji Rugby is delighted to confirm this historic Test Match against the Springboks, one of the most respected and successful teams in world rugby,” Fiji Rugby Union CEO, Koli Sewabu, said.

“The Springboks have set the benchmark in world rugby, and our players relish every opportunity to test themselves against the very best. This fixture is about more than a rugby match. It is about inspiring our people, engaging our global Fijian community and continuing to showcase the unique style, spirit and talent that Fiji brings to the world game.

“We are grateful to our partners for helping bring this event to life and for providing a platform that celebrates international rugby while strengthening the connection between our two proud rugby nations. We know there is a strong Fijian community across Australia and we look forward to seeing our supporters turn out in force to support the Flying Fijians in Gosford.

“This match will provide valuable high-performance preparation as we continue to build towards the Rugby World Cup and our long-term objectives, while also creating a memorable occasion for rugby fans to witness two passionate rugby cultures come together in what promises to be a highly competitive and entertaining contest.”

Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna, added: “Council is proud to support this event and secure another major international sporting fixture for the Central Coast,” said Mayor McKinna.

“With just 20,000 seats available, I’d encourage fans to get in early and be part of what promises to be a historic occasion for our region.

“The Springboks are one of the most successful teams in rugby history, while Fiji have become one of the most admired and entertaining sides in the international game. That means local residents, young players and sporting clubs will have the chance to connect with some of the biggest names in world rugby.”