SA Rugby gets equity offer from Rupert and co
According to Rapport, Rupert (Bulls), Marco Masotti (Sharks) and Johan le Roux (Stormers) – who are already shareholders in top South African franchises – have officially entered into discussions with SA Rugby.
Schalk Burger Snr, a friend of Rupert’s and a director of Boland Rugby, is also involved in the group.
Their offer comes after Ackerley Sports Group’s exclusive negotiation period with Saru expired at the end of 2024.
Seven of Saru’s 13 executive council members voted not to accept the Americans’ deal in December.
SA Rugby will present the offer from Rupert and co during an executive board meeting in Johannesburg on 6 February.
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Boks to face Ireland in Dublin blockbuster?
An already juicy 2025 Test schedule is set for a significant upgrade as the Springboks are reportedly in line to face Ireland in Dublin in November.
While the schedule has yet to be officially confirmed, Rapport has learned that the world champions will take on Wales in Cardiff on 1 November, France in Paris on 8 November, Italy at a venue still to be determined on 15 November and Ireland in Dublin on 22 November.
The world champions split a two-Test series against Ireland in South Africa last year, succumbing to a late drop goal at Kings Park in the second Test after beating Ireland 27-20 at Loftus Versfeld.
A series draw iced what had been billed as a decisive showdown between the two-time defending Six Nations champions and back-to-back world champions. Prior to the series, South Africa had lost three in a row to Ireland, fuelling Irish claims that there was on asterisk on the Boks’ status as the world’s number one team.
The Boks have not won in Dublin since 2012 and, in a 13-match Test schedule that includes the opportunity to end the All Blacks’ 31-year unbeaten run at Eden Park, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a memorable one.
The match against Les Bleus is also sure to be a fiery affair with the last meeting between the teams coming in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final at the Stade de France. The Boks won 29-28 to break the hosts’ hearts.
Springboks’ 2025 Test schedule:
5 July: vs Italy, TBC
12 July: vs Italy, TBC
19 July: vs Georgia, TBC
16 August: vs Australia, TBC
23 August: vs Australia, TBC
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, TBC
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, TBC
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin
