News24 | Springboks to tackle Fiji in 2027 Rugby World Cup warm-up Test in Australia

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.

Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

• The Springboks will warm-up for next year’s Rugby World Cup with a Test against Fiji in Australia.
• The match will be played in Gosforth at a 20 000-capacity stadium.
• It will be the fourth Test in history between South Africa and Fiji.
• For more news on the Springobks, visit our dedicated section.

As part of their 2027 Rugby World Cup preparations, the Springboks will play a Test against Fiji in Australia next year.

The match, dubbed the “Contest on the Coast”, will take place at polytec Stadium in Gosford, north of Sydney on Saturday, 18 September 2027.

The Boks will start their World Cup defence just over two weeks later when they face Italy in Adelaide on Sunday, 3 October 2027.

READ |Rassie expects Wallabies to ‘come out firing’ as Boks arrive Down Under

It will be the fourth Test between the Springboks and the Flying Fijians, with the Boks leading the head-to-head stakes 3-0. South Africa beat Fiji 43-18 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria in 1996, 37-20 in a thrilling 2007 World Cup quarter-final in Marseille, and 49-3 at the 2011 World Cup in Wellington.

“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,” said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.

“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.”

Henry Honiball in action in the first Test between the Springboks and Fiji at Loftus Versfeld in 1996.

Duif du Toit/Gallo Images

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Fiji Rugby Union CEO, Koli Sewabu, said they were delighted to face the Springboks, who we labelled “one of the most respected and successful teams in world rugby”.

“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,” said Sewabu.

The polytec Stadium has a capacity of 20 000, and tickets will go on sale from Tuesday, 29 September 2026.