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South Africa v England

Date: Saturday 4th July 2026

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 4:40pm (5:40pm local)

Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)

TV Coverage: Live on ITV (UK)

England will tackle South Africa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday 4th July, during the opening round of the 2026 Nations Championship.

In their most recent encounter, England were beaten 29-20 by the Springboks at Twickenham during the 2024 autumn internationals.

Overall, England and South Africa have played each other on 47 occasions since their first meeting in 1906. The Springboks have won 29 matches, whilst England have won 16 matches. There have also been two drawn matches between the two sides.

South Africa v England - Recent History

Cheslin Kolbe scores a try for South Africa against England during 2024 autumn internationals

England's losing run continues with defeat to world champions South Africa

16th November 2024

England’s quest to resurrect their autumn by toppling South Africa ended in crushing disappointment as the world champions inflicted a fifth successive defeat on Steve Borthwick side.

South Africa players celebrate victory over England in 2023 Rugby World Cup semi final

Heartbreak for battling England as South Africa snatch late semi-final victory

21st October 2023

England collapsed to an agonising 16-15 defeat against South Africa at the Stade de France as they allowed a place in Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand to slip from their grasp.

Kurt-Lee Arendse goes around Marcus Smith to score a try for South Africa aganst England in 2022 Autumn Internationals

England collapse to South Africa defeat as Autumn Nations Series ends in rout

26th November 2022

England collapsed to their first defeat by South Africa at Twickenham for eight years as an autumn of crushing disappointment concluded with a 27-13 rout.

Marcus Smith kicks a last minute penalty for England v South Africa in 2021 autumn internationals

Marcus Smith holds nerve to boot England to narrow victory over South Africa

20th November 2021

Marcus Smith kept his nerve to land a last-gasp penalty as England avenged their 2019 World Cup final defeat by toppling South Africa 27-26 in an enthralling climax to the autumn.

Malcolm Marx celebrates as South Africa beat England to win 2019 Rugby World Cup

Heartache for England as South Africa ease to final success

2nd November 2019

England were stunned by South Africa's relentless intensity as their World Cup quest ended with a crushing 32-12 defeat in the final at International Stadium Yokohama.

Venue Information - Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Ellis Park, South Park Lane, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa

Stadium Capacity: 62,567

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