Rugby supporters in Cape Town will be able to welcome the All Blacks in person on Friday, 31 July, with New Zealand’s squad set to appear at a free public event at Cape Town Stadium ahead of their “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” Test series against the Springboks.
The meet-and-greet, which is open to fans of all ages, will run from 13:00 to 15:30 and is being billed as a family-focused afternoon, featuring live music, entertainment and a range of activities aimed at creating a festival atmosphere before the first Test.
Members of the All Blacks squad are scheduled to take to the stage during the event to share their thoughts on the opening clash with South Africa, giving supporters a close-up view of the players before the series begins.
Organisers say the gathering is designed to bring the team and supporters together at the start of a tour that will renew one of international rugby’s most storied rivalries, with South Africa and New Zealand set to contest a high-profile Test series expected to fill stadiums and attract a global television audience.
Free entry, ticket still required
Although there is no charge to attend, fans will still need to secure a complimentary ticket in advance via the designated online link provided by organisers. No paid tickets are being issued for the event.
Supporters are being urged to arrive well before the scheduled start in order to experience the full entertainment programme and to claim a good vantage point ahead of the All Blacks’ appearance on stage.
Families, friends and club teammates are all being encouraged to attend together to add to the atmosphere inside Cape Town Stadium, with organisers emphasising that the event is designed to be welcoming and accessible to as wide a cross-section of supporters as possible.
Part of All Blacks’ South Africa tour schedule
The Cape Town welcome forms one element of a wider South African leg of the All Blacks’ “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour, during which New Zealand will play seven matches in the country.
Their schedule includes three full Test matches against the Springboks and four additional fixtures against provincial opposition across South Africa, giving local supporters multiple chances to see the visitors in action.
A fourth Test of the tour is scheduled to take place in Baltimore, in the United States, on 12 September, extending the rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand to North American soil as part of the same tour programme.
