The Springboks’ special Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour jersey features the lyrics of South Africa’s national anthem woven into its design as a tribute to the nation.
South Africa (06 August 2026) – The Springboks will take to the field in a special jersey during this year’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour against New Zealand, and it’s one packed with meaning.
Rather than introducing just another match kit, the Springboks have unveiled a jersey that pays tribute to the country they represent, featuring a subtle design inspired by the words of South Africa’s national anthem.
Hidden within the green and gold is a graphic of the lyrics of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, arranged in the shape of the South African flag. The anthem appears in all five languages (isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans and English), symbolising the unity of a nation brought together through rugby.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer believes the design perfectly captures what the team stands for.
“The design speaks directly and honestly to the motivation of the team and management, they play for the people of South Africa and wear their hearts on their sleeve; now they will wear the words of the anthem on their chests.”
Beyond its symbolic design, the jersey has also been engineered for the demands of the modern game, combining lightweight materials with performance technology to help players move with speed, confidence and freedom.
The commemorative jersey will be worn exclusively during the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour, which marks the return of a full Test series between the Springboks and the All Blacks for the first time in 30 years.
The opening Test takes place at Ellis Park on 22 August, where the world champions will begin one of rugby’s most anticipated contests wearing a jersey designed to reflect the pride of representing South Africa.
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