Springboks and All Blacks unveil unique split trophy for 2026 tour

The Springboks and All Blacks will compete for a trophy unlike any previously seen in rugby, with the two halves brought together by hidden magnets to symbolise the bond between the sport’s greatest international rivalry.

The new trophy has been created specifically for the return of rugby tours between South Africa and New Zealand. Its design reflects the relationship between two proud and distinctive rugby nations that have been repeatedly drawn together across more than a century of competition.

The winners of the four-Test Tour will claim both halves of the trophy after the series finale in Baltimore, USA, on 12 September 2026. If the teams finish level, each country will retain one half.

The trophy was officially unveiled in Johannesburg by the captains of the 1996 series, Gary Teichmann of the Springboks and Sean Fitzpatrick of the All Blacks.

“The brief to the agencies was to create a trophy that was really like no other, and one to capture the essence of the rivalry,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

“The thinking included the idea that the trophy could be split in two to represent the two halves of the rivalry or that each nation could keep one half if the series was shared.

“This is the eighth time in 12 tours that the series has included four Tests, and if each team has won two tests at the end of 320 minutes of intense rugby, it seemed inappropriate to decide a winner on an arbitrary metric.”

The first two tours between the countries, in 1921 and 1928, were both shared.

Steve Lancaster, CEO of New Zealand Rugby, said the design appropriately represented a rivalry that has developed over generations.

“The trophy is a really fitting way to recognise what this rivalry is about. It’s something different and unique, and importantly, it tells the story of two teams and two countries that have been competing against each other for more than 100 years.

“Every Test adds to that history. There’s a real respect between the two sides, but also that desire to get one over each other and find a way to win.

“And if the Series is drawn, the fact the trophy can be shared is something special to this tour and this concept. It’s a fitting reflection of just how closely matched these teams have been over the years, and the intensity of a rivalry that has endured for more than a century.”

The trophy takes the form of a blade of grass, chosen as something shared by every rugby player. Strategy Creative of New Zealand developed the design in collaboration with both national governing bodies.

It consists of two individual blades. One represents South Africa and the other New Zealand. Each can stand independently, reflecting the separate identity, culture and history of its nation. When joined, the two pieces form the complete trophy.

Magnets concealed inside the blades pull them together, echoing the way the rivalry continues to bring the two countries back into competition. Each blade has been precision-machined from solid aluminium and decorated with artwork created by artists from South Africa and New Zealand.

The South African blade features work by Bonolo Chepape, whose art explores the belief that greatness is not achieved alone. Layered patterns influenced by community, culture and shared experience highlight the people who contribute to sporting success in South Africa.

The New Zealand blade carries artwork by Kereama Taepa. It draws on the Maori creation story of Tane and Whiro, two brothers who pursue the same objective by different routes. The design represents the tension, respect and connection that define major rivalries.

The base also follows the theme of two parts creating something greater. It is made from black Pakohe stone from Aotearoa New Zealand and green Verdite from South Africa.

The public will see the trophy for the first time on Saturday, when the Springboks face the All Blacks in the opening Test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

The trophy stands 65cm high. Each blade weighs 7kg, while the base weighs 9.5kg. Its development and construction took one year.

Limited seats for the first Test have also been released after a commercial partner returned part of its ticket allocation.