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Rugby’s “Greatest Rivalry” is coming to South Baltimore on September 12th as the New Zealand All Blacks and South Africa Springboks will play a game at M&T Bank Stadium.
The rugby match falls during the first weekend of the NFL season, but on a Saturday. The NFL does not play Saturday games until later in the season.
The game adds to a star-studded lineup for M&T Bank Stadium in 2026. K-Pop superstar band BTS is coming to Baltimore for a two-night concert at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10th and August 11th. Country superstar Morgan Wallen is also performing a two-night concert at M&T Bank Stadium on July 17th and July 18th.
Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players of all time and one of the most famous people in the world, is additionally coming to Baltimore in 2026. D.C. United is scheduled to host Messi’s Inter Miami CF at M&T Bank Stadium on March 7th at 430pm.
The Ravens will complete a three-year renovation of M&T Bank Stadium this offseason. The Ravens are expanding the upper deck concourse on the north end of the stadium, renovating the upper deck bathrooms, and completing the Northwest Tailgate & Concert Venue. This marks the end of a renovation project at M&T Bank Stadium that added new suites, private clubs, team stores, and bars.
Baltimore Ravens press release:
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, the touring series between the Springboks and the All Blacks held every four years, has announced Baltimore Maryland, USA as the host city for the 2026 series’ historic fourth Test.
Rugby’s most iconic international rivalry is coming to the United States for the first time, with M&T Bank Stadium – the home of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens – welcoming the two teams on Saturday 12 September 2026.
Fans can register for pre-sale ticket access to this iconic match at this link. Pre-sale tickets will be available from Thursday 29 January, with general sale opening Monday 2 February.
Both the Springboks and the All Blacks have a history of playing matches on US soil. South Africa faced the USA in Houston in 2001 and visited Washington DC in 2018 to face Wales. New Zealand have played numerous games in Chicago in recent years taking on Ireland and USA, as well as in San Diego (v Fiji) and Washington (v USA).
The announcement reflects the collective ambition of SA Rugby, New Zealand Rugby and World Rugby to grow the game in the United States. As the region builds toward hosting Rugby World Cup 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s), World Rugby and member unions are partnering to strategically position premium international rugby in key U.S. markets.
Bringing two of the sport’s most storied teams to Baltimore, a Rugby World Cup 2031 applicant city, highlights this collaborative approach to developing new audiences, accelerating fan engagement and inspiring the next generation of rugby supporters.
“Taking the Springboks to new audiences and territories is a key objective for South African rugby and the opportunity to do so in a ground-breaking match against our fiercest rivals was a major determinant in where the fourth Test would be played,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.
“With fans getting the opportunity to see the Boks in action against the All Blacks in three home Tests, the chance to share the excitement in the US is an exciting one, compounded by the fact that both men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup will be heading to the USA in a few years’ time.
“While the All Blacks have played in the USA often in the past, the Boks have only played there twice this millennium, and we’re very excited to take them to Baltimore and engage with a developing rugby ecosystem.”
Interim CEO of New Zealand Rugby Steve Lancaster said: “Having the opportunity to once again play in the US, less than a year after our last game, is exciting for the All Blacks and for New Zealand Rugby. The US is an important market for us and for rugby more broadly, as we look ahead to Rugby World Cup 2031. This will mark the fourth time the team has played in the US in five years, so it’s great to be in another new city to show sports fans the spectacle and excitement of rugby.
“Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry aims to be unlike any other, and playing in a city with the potential to form a part of the 2031 Rugby World Cup just adds another layer to this tour. We look forward to welcoming fans of the All Blacks and the haka in Baltimore in September.”
World Rugby Chief Executive Officer Alan Gilpin added: “Partnering with unions to bring world class content to key U.S cities is at the heart of the sport’s strategy to grow the market on the road to hosting men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in the U.S in 2031 and 33.
“There are few bigger rivalries than New Zealand v South Africa, and to be able to showcase the best of our sport in Baltimore, one of 27 super engaged cities and regions in the Rugby World Cup hosting process, is an exciting prospect, inspiring more sports fans in the U.S to fall in love with rugby.”
The 71,000 capacity M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, has established itself as one of the premier sporting venues in North America. This will provide a dramatic backdrop for one of international sport’s most intense rivalries. The event is expected to attract fans from across the US and overseas, delivering a significant boost to the local economy and reinforcing Baltimore’s credentials as a global sports destination.
“The All Blacks–Springboks rivalry is one of the most iconic matchups in international rugby, and we’re thrilled to host these legendary teams at M&T Bank Stadium,” said Ravens president Sashi Brown. “Our incredible partnership with the State of Maryland, including its support for our ongoing stadium renovations, has helped position M&T Bank Stadium as a world-class venue. As one of a handful of premier global sporting events, this rugby match underscores our shared commitment to bringing world-class experiences to Baltimore.”
For US fans, this rugby Test represents an opportunity to witness the sport live, as rugby continues to gather momentum across the country. Event Promoter TEG Rugby Live will deliver the event as part of its ongoing commitment to growing Rugby in the United States.
“TEG Rugby Live has delivered major rugby events across the globe, including the five largest crowds ever to attend international rugby matches in the United States,” said Stephen Cottrell, Managing Director of TEG Rugby Live. “We are incredibly proud to partner with two of the world’s greatest teams, the Springboks and the All Blacks and thrilled to bring the fourth, and potentially series-deciding, Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry to Baltimore. M&T Bank Stadium will provide an unforgettable stage for this historic clash, and we anticipate strong demand when tickets go on sale on 29 January.”
