Here’s how much South Africa & New Zealand will make off their USA Test match
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Cash money.
The Springboks and All Blacks will complete their four-Test series in Baltimore on Saturday, with the decision to stage the finale in the United States set to deliver a major financial windfall for both unions.
The first three Tests were played in South Africa, but the series decider has been moved to the 71,000-capacity M&T Bank Stadium as rugby looks to establish a stronger foothold in the US before the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
According to The New York Times, the Baltimore Test could generate as much as €6.9 million (R129.4 million).
The two unions will share the profits equally, including income generated through ticket sales, hospitality, food and drink, sponsorship, broadcasting and merchandise.
If the maximum estimate is reached, that could potentially leave each union with around €3.45 million each (R64.7 million).
However, another report suggests the value of taking the fixture to America could be even greater.
The Daily Maverick reported that each of the opening three Tests generated between €3.2 million and €4.3 million (R60 million and R80 million).
It claimed SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby could each make approximately €4.8 million (R90 million) more from the Baltimore encounter than they would have earned by staging another Test in South Africa or New Zealand.
That increased return reportedly includes a fee from World Rugby, which is encouraging leading nations to play in the US ahead of the country hosting the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031.
While the reports use different calculations and do not provide one definitive final payout, both underline the considerable financial incentive behind the neutral-venue finale.
“We wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t substantial,” SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer told the New York Times.
“Taking the Springboks to new audiences and territories is a key objective for South African rugby.
“The opportunity to do so in a ground-breaking match against our fiercest rivals was a major determinant in where the fourth Test would be played.”
The Springboks head into the final match with a 2-1 series lead following consecutive victories over the All Blacks.
