3 May 2025

Springboks to face Deans-coached Barbarians in Cape Town

7:45 am on 3 May 2025
Robbie Deans the Barbarians coach, 2017.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

World champions South Africa will host the Robbie Deans-coached Barbarians in their 2025 season opener in Cape Town on June 28

It is the first time in the 135-year history of the Barbarians they will play in South Africa, and they will be coached by experienced New Zealander Robbie Deans, with former All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock an assistant.

Dejected All Black players after losing the match during the New Zealand All Blacks v South Africa Springboks rugby union match at Mbombela Stadium, South Africa on Saturday 6 August 2022.
2022 Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship.
Mandatory credit: © Christiaan Kotze / www.photosport.nz

Former All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock will assist Robbie Deans. Photo: Christiaan Kotze

The Springboks will use the fixture as preparation for their three home games in July, two of which are against Italy and the other versus Georgia.

"For us this will be the perfect opportunity to get the players match-ready for the official international season, which starts a week later," Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said.

"There is nothing like a proper international with the full build-up and the pressure to get the players battle ready, so this is a great occasion for us."

- Reuters