Rassie Erasmus calls on Springbok supporters to fill Wembley for Japan Test
The Springboks will begin their highly anticipated five-Test end-of-year tour with a clash against Japan at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
The world champion Springboks will begin their highly anticipated five-Test end-of-year tour with a clash against Japan at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, 1 November.
Kick-off is scheduled for 16:10 local time (18:10 SA time).
In a rallying call to fans, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus encouraged South Africans in the UK and beyond to come out in their numbers to support the team in what promises to be a historic encounter.
Rare Match-Up with a Storied Past
The match will mark only the fourth-ever meeting between South Africa and Japan – but the rivalry is etched in rugby history thanks to the infamous ‘Miracle of Brighton’ during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, when the Brave Blossoms stunned the Springboks 34-32 in one of the sport’s greatest upsets.
Since then, the Springboks have avenged that loss with two victories in 2019, including a dominant 41-7 win in Saitama and a 26-3 triumph in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in Tokyo en route to lifting the trophy.
Match History: South Africa vs Japan
| Date | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Sept 2015 | Lost 34–32 | Brighton Community Stadium, England |
| 6 Sept 2019 | Won 41–7 | Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Saitama, Japan |
| 20 Oct 2019 | Won 26–3 | Tokyo Stadium (RWC Quarter-final) |
| 1 Nov 2025 | TBD | Wembley Stadium, London |
Full Springbok End-of-Year Tour Fixtures:
1 November: vs Japan – Wembley Stadium, London
8 November: vs France – Stade de France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy – Allianz Stadium, Turin
22 November: vs Ireland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
29 November: vs Wales – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
With ticket sales already picking up and excitement building among expats and rugby fans in Europe, the Springboks’ appearance at Wembley – one of the world’s most recognisable stadiums – is expected to draw a capacity crowd.
Erasmus’s call to “fill the stadium” reflects his growing push to connect with the global South African community and set the tone for what could be a defining tour as the team builds towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Tickets on sale
Tickets are still on sale for the much-anticipated clash at £32 for adults and £20 for kids (U16).
The upcoming clash against Japan promises a thrilling spectacle for die-hard rugby fans and families looking for an unforgettable day out.
Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Prices: £32 (adults), £20 (kids under 16)
*Booking fees apply
Don’t miss your chance to witness the Springboks light up Wembley Stadium this November.
Springbok squad for Outgoing Tour
Forwards
Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Spears), Franco Mostert (Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Zachary Porthen (Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (D-Rocks)
Backs
Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen ( Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Eagles), Manie Libbok (Liners), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Bulls), Cobus Reinach (Stormers), Morne van den Berg (Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Sharks), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Players on standby:
Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Ulster), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Evan Roos (Stormers), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks)
Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Sebastian De Klerk (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)