Airlink has been named the official domestic carrier for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry 2026, a landmark cross-hemisphere tour scheduled for August and September 2026. The blockbuster series will feature South Africa Rugby and New Zealand Rugby facing off in high-stakes men’s and women’s Test matches alongside four elite provincial fixtures hosted across South Africa, culminating in a historic final Test match in the United States.

As the exclusive domestic airline partner for the tour, Airlink will manage the comprehensive air logistics for both nations, transporting player squads, coaches, management and vital support staff between the various host cities.

The extensive tournament schedule inside South Africa kicks off on 7 August at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium, where the DHL Stormers will host the All Blacks, followed by fixtures against the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban on 11 August and the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versveld in Pretoria on 15 August. The reigning World Champion Springboks will then take center stage against their traditional rivals at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 22 August, followed by a midweek clash between the Lions and the All Blacks at the same venue on 25 August. The tour moves back to the coast for a Springbok Test at DHL Stadium on 29 August before returning to Johannesburg for a double-header at FNB Stadium on 5 September, featuring both the Springbok Women against the Black Ferns and the men’s Springboks against the All Blacks. The tour will officially conclude on 12 September at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA.

“Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is set to produce thrillers for the competing teams and thousands of attending fans,” said Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht. “Airlink will be providing them with memorable travel experiences, great value fares, onboard hospitality and convenient flights to the match cities among the 48 destinations we serve throughout Southern and Eastern Africa as well as St Helena island.”

Established in 1992, Airlink has grown into Southern Africa’s premier privately owned regional carrier, operating a modern fleet of more than 70 jetliners. The IATA-member airline, which maintains strict safety and environmental credentials through IOSA and IEnvA certifications, also provides international reach via its global airline partnerships and its FlyNamibia franchise, alongside customer rewards through its Skybucks frequent flyer program.