Rugby Union: South Africa vs Japan

World champions South Africa will play Japan at Wembley on November 1. As part of the Springboks ongoing Castle Larger Outgoing Tour. This match will be the first time they have met in England since the Japanese recorded one of the greatest upsets in Rugby World Cup history in 2015.

Who else will South Africa play?

The remainder of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour Fixtures are as follows:

7 September – SA v New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
21 September – Argentina v SA (Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades, Santiago)
28 September – SA v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)

1 November – SA v Japan (Wembley Stadium, London)

10 November – Scotland vs SA (Murrayfield, Edinburgh)
16 November – England vs SA (Twickenham, London)
23 November – Wales vs SA (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)

When was the last time Rugby was hosted at Wembley Stadium?

This fixture will be the first rugby fixture at Wembley Stadium since 2016, when the Springboks played out a 31-31 draw with the Barbarians.

Historically Wembley Stadium has hosted 11 rugby matches, starting with England’s 26-13 win over Canada in 1992.

Since the venue was rebuilt and reopened in 2007, four rugby fixtures have been played at Wembley, including two Rugby World Cup matches in 2015 (New Zealand’s 26-16 victory over Argentina, and Ireland beating Romania 44-10), which both drew capacity crowds of just under 90,000 people

Springboks Head Coach Erasmus added “We have had fantastic support from our fans in the UK for our fixtures in London over the past few years and I am sure this match will be no different, especially being at one of the most famous sporting venues in the world.”

What the history between the two sides?

Despite facing Japan only three times in their history, South Africa’s record reads:

• 20 October, 2019 – Won 3-26, Tokyo (RWC 2019)
• 6 September, 2019 – Won 7-41, Kumagaya
• 19 September, 2015 – Lost 34-32, Brighton, England (RWC 2015)

That first encounter in 2015 produced one of rugby’s greatest shocks, as Japan stunned the then two-time world champions 34-32 in Brighton.

Now, Eddie Jones, who was part of South Africa’s 2007 World Cup-winning coaching staff and previously led Japan between 2012 and 2015, has returned as head coach of the Brave Blossoms. Reflecting on that win, Jones remarked: “The game in Brighton 10 years ago changed rugby in Japan from being a minor sport to a boom sport.” The achievement only highlights the importance and impact of these games, hence playing at one of the biggest stadium in Europe.

Since then, South Africa have reasserted their dominance, beating Japan twice on Japanese soil, while also adding to their silverware with back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023, giving them a record four titles.

Rugby World Cup Winners as of 2025

The Springboks will be delighted to return to the UK, and more specifically London having defeated Wales 41-13 in June 2024 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, and New Zealand by 35-7 a year earlier in the build up to the Rugby World Cup in France.

No matter the result, this game promises to be one to remember from the storylines surrounding Eddie Jones, to South Africa’s pedigree on the world stage, and the remarkable rise of Japanese rugby. With so many narratives at play, fans in London and across the UK are in for a special occasion.

How do I book tickets?

As official ticket agents for Wembley Stadium, Circuit is proud to offer exclusive Rugby Union hospitality packages and tickets for upcoming match.

Wembley remains one of the world’s most iconic venues, home to legendary sporting events and unforgettable live shows.

Now, you can experience Rugby Union in true style, with premium seating and luxury hospitality with Circuit. This tour is set to be a milestone moment for Rugby. Don’t miss out! South Africa v Japan VIP hospitality tickets below.