Springboks vs Japan: International Rugby Returns to Wembley Stadium

International rugby is set to make a thrilling return to Wembley Stadium this autumn, as Pitch International (Pitch) brings together reigning world champions South Africa and Japan for a headline clash on Saturday 1st November 2025.

The fixture marks the first rugby match at Wembley since 2016 and rekindles one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries - a repeat of the historic ‘Miracle of Brighton’ encounter at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

As the official promoter and organiser of the fixture, Pitch is delivering the event end-to-end - from venue operations, match protocol and ticketing to hospitality, media rights sales, and live global distribution. The team is also managing team logistical arrangements, including hotel bookings, access to training facilities, and full matchday coordination. Every detail, both on and off the pitch, is being handled to ensure a seamless and world-class experience.

Coaching legends Rassie Erasmus and Eddie Jones will go head-to-head once again as South Africa and Japan bring world-class talent and passionate fanbases to Wembley Stadium. The Springboks arrive in London as two-time defending Rugby World Cup champions, having recently secured victories over Wales, England, and New Zealand in the capital. Their last appearance at Wembley was a thrilling 31-31 draw against Barbarian F.C. in 2016. Japan, led once again by Jones, return to the scene of their greatest triumph - the unforgettable 34-32 win over South Africa in 2015 that transformed Japanese rugby and captivated the global sporting community.

“This fixture will not only celebrate the rising strength of Japanese rugby and the enduring legacy of the Springboks, but also reinforce Pitch International’s dedication to delivering unforgettable experiences for players and fans alike,” said Andy Marinos, Chief Commercial Officer at Pitch International. “Bringing South Africa and Japan together at Wembley Stadium is a fantastic milestone for Pitch, and we are proud to be at the heart of this occasion.”

This fixture continues Pitch’s commitment to staging elite sporting events around the world, building on recent successes in Cape Town, where Pitch delivered the Springboks vs Barbarians clash, and in Korea, where the agency led pre-season football tours featuring Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. The Springboks vs Japan match at Wembley offers fans a chance to witness two proud rugby nations compete on one of the grandest stages in global sport.