Ireland will take on World champions South Africa in a two-match tour next summer, with the fixtures confirmed today by the South African Rugby Union. It will mark the Springboks’ return to action for the first time since their triumph in Paris.

The first Test is scheduled for Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, July 6, with the second Test a week later at Hollywood bets Kings Park in Durban as Ireland make their first trip to South Africa in eight years.
The Springboks won that 2016 series, 2-1. The opening Test marked Ireland’s first ever victory over the Springboks on South African soil.
Since then, Ireland have won all three meetings between the teams and five of the last seven – most recently the seismic 13-8 success in France in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup.