DHL Newlands to host England in 2018
DHL Newlands will be the venue of the third and final Test of the Castle Lager Incoming Series between the Springboks and England next June.
It will be England’s first visit to South Africa in six years and SA Rugby confirmed on Friday that the three Tests will be played at Emirates Airline Park on 9 June, the Toyota Stadium a week later on Youth Day, before the tour culminates at DHL Newlands on 23 June.
The Springboks have won both games they have played against England at DHL Newlands, beating the visitors 27-9 in 1994 and 18-0 in 1998.
Western Province Rugby Group CEO, Paul Zacks, said that having hosted the All Blacks successfully this year, the Test match against England next year will be another epic clash for the DHL Newlands Faithful to savour.
“The DHL Newlands Faithful have proven themselves time and again to be among the most loyal and passionate in the world. We are looking forward to what will be another special occasion.
“It is also fantastic to have another high-profile Test match for our valued sponsors, partners, season ticket and suite holders at DHL Newlands to enjoy,” he said.
President of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, Mr Thelo Wakefield, said that it will be an honour to welcome England back to DHL Newlands.
“It is always special watching the Springboks play at DHL Newlands, and this match against England promises to be another classic.
“We are proud to stand together with SARU to deliver another top class Test match,” he said.
England last visited these shores in 2012 when the Springboks won the first two of the three Tests, while the final encounter ended in a draw.
“Under Eddie Jones the English have re-established themselves as one of the powerhouses of World Rugby – they have only lost one Test in the last two seasons,” said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.
“Our history against England goes back more than a century and we are looking forward to welcoming them back to South Africa next year in what promises to be a tough tour.
“In 2012, they played in Johannesburg, but it’s been 10 years since they last visited Bloemfontein, while the Test in Cape Town will be England’s first visit to the Mother City since 1998.”
England have not won a Test in South Africa since the two teams clashed in Bloemfontein in 2000. Out of the 13 previous Tests between the Springboks and England in South Africa, the visitors have won three, while one ended in a draw.
