Portugal players celebrate after defeating Fiji in a Rugby World Cup match at Stade de Toulouse on October 8, 2023 (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP)
- The Springboks will face Portugal in a test in Bloemfontein this year.
- This will be the first test between the two countries.
- The Boks will play two home tests against Ireland, two against New Zealand and one against Argentina.
- For more sports news, news 24 sports cover.
Bloemfontein was confirmed on Friday as the venue for the Springboks' test against Portugal later this year.
The match, scheduled for July 20 at the Free State Stadium, will be the historic first test between the two countries.
At last year's Rugby World Cup held in France, Portugal made headlines by defeating quarterfinalist Fiji 24-23 in the final pool match.
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The Boks last played in Bloemfontein in 2022, when they lost 13-12 to Wales.
This will be the final match of the Incoming Series, with South Africa facing Ireland in Pretoria (July 6) and Durban (July 13).
South Africa's other home Tests in 2024 will be in the Rugby Championship against New Zealand (Johannesburg, August 31, Cape Town, September 7) and Argentina (Nelspruit, September 28).
2024 Springbok home test schedule:
Saturday 6th July: SA v Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday 13 July: SA vs Ireland (Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday 20 July: SA vs Portugal (Bloemfontein, Free State Stadium)
Saturday 31st August: SA vs New Zealand (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday 7th September: SA vs New Zealand (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday 28 September: SA vs Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
SA Rugby's Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, said in a statement: “We are delighted to be returning to Bloemfontein for this historic match and are determined to continue to make our passionate supporters proud. ” he said.
“Now that the venue has been confirmed, we can move forward with full planning for the home test from an operational standpoint.
“There is no doubt that we are even more excited for the upcoming season, especially after defending our Rugby World Cup title to close out the 2023 season.”
Meanwhile, SA Rugby said ticket sales details for all six Tests are being finalized and will be announced in due course. Supporters are warned to only buy from official retailers.
