The Springboks will make their return to the Rugby Championship with two home Tests against Argentina in August, before a four-match tour of Australasia.
After missing out on playing in last year’s tournament in Australia because of Covid-19 travel restrictions and a lack of match preparation, the Springboks return in a 12-match tournament that will see two matches played in South Africa, five in Australia and five in New Zealand.
The Tests in SA will see Argentina play the Springboks twice before both teams head to Australia and New Zealand.
The Boks open their campaign against Argentina on Saturday 14 August, a week after the conclusion of the Lions series.
And director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, says: “Following the unfortunate Covid-related disruptions of last year, we are very much looking forward to resume playing against the Pumas, Wallabies and the All Blacks.
“There is a great rivalry between us, but we also have a lot of respect for each other and have built good friendships over many years of southern-hemisphere competition.
“Playing the All Blacks in their backyard is a massive challenge, Argentina showed their growing stature last year while the Wallabies are always tough opponents...”
With Rainbow Cup SA taking a break this week, the world champion Springboks went into an alignment camp yesterday.
Nine Stormers players, including on-loan looseforward Willie Engelbrecht, have joined the camp.