The reigning world champion Springboks will make their highly anticipated return to the pitch on
June 22 against Wales at Twickenham Stadium. This marks South Africa’s first match since claiming
the Webb Ellis Cup last year in France. The venue shift from Cardiff to London became necessary due
to pop icon Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ taking over the Principality Stadium in Wales on the same
weekend.

“We are thrilled to return to Twickenham in what will mark our first Test since the Rugby World Cup
final in France,” said South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus.

While the Springboks will technically be the away team in London, Erasmus expects strong support.
“We may be playing on foreign territory, but we enjoy fantastic support from the expat community
in London and its surrounds, as we saw last year where most of the supporters donned green and
gold, so we are really looking forward to the match.”

Wales coach Warren Gatland, whose side has struggled out the gates in the Six Nations, remains
eager for the challenge. “To have the opportunity for our young squad to test itself against the world
champions at a neutral venue is an extremely important experience and something that we will
relish,” he said.

The Barbarians will also face Fiji in London later on June 22 after the main event. Swift’s concert
obligations made playing in Cardiff impossible, with the American star also performing there on June
18 followed by a Foo Fighters show.

Rugby fans will hope the music clear out swiftly, as the Springboks and Welsh prepare to put on a
show of their own at Twickenham.