M&T Bank Stadium to Host Rugby's Greatest Rivalry in 2026
In a monumental announcement for sports enthusiasts, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore will host the highly anticipated match between the South Africa national rugby union team, the Springboks, and the New Zealand national rugby union team, the All Blacks. This event, dubbed "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry," will mark the first time this prestigious series is played in the United States, bringing international rugby to a new audience.
The Historic Match
The match is set to take place on September 12, 2026, at the 71,000-capacity M&T Bank Stadium, which is primarily known as the home of the Baltimore Ravens. This iconic rivalry, held every four years, promises to deliver an exhilarating spectacle that rugby fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting.
Pre-Sale and General Sale Tickets
For those looking to witness this historic event, pre-sale tickets will be available starting January 29, with the general sale commencing on February 2. Fans are encouraged to register for pre-sale ticket access on the Ravens' website to secure their spots early.
Significance for Baltimore and Rugby in the US
The selection of Baltimore as the host city underscores the growing prominence of rugby in the United States. World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin expressed his excitement, stating, "There are few bigger rivalries than New Zealand vs. South Africa, and to be able to showcase the best of our sport in Baltimore — one of 27 super engaged cities and regions in the Rugby World Cup hosting process — is an exciting prospect, inspiring more sports fans in the U.S. to fall in love with rugby."
A World-Class Venue
Ravens President Sashi Brown highlighted the stadium's capabilities, noting, "Our incredible partnership with the state of Maryland, including its support for our ongoing stadium renovations, has helped position M&T Bank Stadium as a world-class venue. As one of a handful of premier global sporting events, this rugby match underscores our shared commitment to bringing world-class experiences to Baltimore."
International Teams and Their Presence in the US
While the All Blacks have played in the USA frequently, the Springboks have only had two matches in the country this millennium. SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "While the All Blacks have played in the USA often in the past, the Boks have only played there twice this millennium, and we're very excited to take them to Baltimore and engage with a developing rugby ecosystem."
New Zealand Rugby's Perspective
New Zealand Rugby interim CEO Steve Lancaster added, "Having the opportunity to once again play in the U.S., less than a year after our last game, is exciting for the All Blacks and for New Zealand Rugby. The US is an important market for us and for rugby more broadly, as we look ahead to Rugby World Cup 2031. This will mark the fourth time the team has played in the U.S. in five years, so it's great to be in another new city to show sports fans the spectacle and excitement of rugby."
Baltimore's Bid for Rugby World Cup 2031
Baltimore's hosting of this match also aligns with its bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2031. The city's successful application to host such a prestigious event would further solidify its position as a hub for international sports.
Expanding Rugby's Reach
Both SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby are committed to growing the sport in the United States. The Springboks and All Blacks have a history of playing in the US, with the Springboks facing the US in Houston in 2001 and visiting Washington, D.C., in 2018 to face Wales. The All Blacks, on the other hand, have recently played numerous games in Chicago, taking on Ireland and the US, as well as in San Diego (against Fiji) and Washington (against the US).
M&T Bank Stadium's Legacy Beyond Football
This isn't the first time M&T Bank Stadium has hosted big sports matches other than football. In November, it was announced that Lionel Messi's Inter Miami squad would play against D.C. United in March 2024. The stadium has also hosted other significant events, showcasing its versatility and capability to host a wide range of sports.
Recent Renovations
The ongoing renovations at M&T Bank Stadium have further enhanced its status as a premier venue. These improvements have not only upgraded the fan experience but also made the stadium a more attractive option for hosting international events.
Conclusion
The hosting of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore is a testament to the growing popularity of rugby in the United States. As fans gear up for this historic event, the anticipation is palpable. With the match set to take place on September 12, 2026, it promises to be a night to remember for all sports enthusiasts.
