The Boktown experience is in full swing for the 2025 rugby season, with the first stop of the tour happening on June 28 in Johannesburg. Fans from across Mzansi gathered at Wanderers Oval to watch the Springboks face the Barbarians for the first time on South African soil. The event turned the fan park into a vibrant festival, with a mix of live music, food, and rugby passion, setting the tone for the exciting tour ahead.
The June 28 event featured performances from South African artists such as GoodLuck, Shekinah, Loufi, and 4am.band, while the always-popular Barney Simon and Alex Jay squared off in a musical battle. The atmosphere was alive with energy, offering something for everyone from food stalls to surprise appearances by Springbok Legends. And, of course, the highlight of the day was watching the big game on a giant screen, as fans cheered and celebrated together.
Looking ahead, Boktown now shifts focus to Bloemfontein for the next stop on July 5, where the Springboks will take on Italy. Fans can expect another lively and communal gathering, with music and entertainment alongside the rugby action. The tour isn’t just about watching the game; it’s about bringing people together to celebrate rugby, culture, and community.
For Castle Lager, who backs the initiative, it’s all about creating a shared experience that goes beyond the match itself. Thomas Lawrence, Castle Lager’s Brand Director, put it best when he said, “Boktown turns every Test into a nationwide gathering. From the anthem to the final whistle, we want fans shoulder-to-shoulder, singing, cheering, and making memories.”
And it’s not just about the rugby; SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer emphasised the deeper connection the tournament has with the country’s spirit. “Springbok rugby is more than a match-day; it’s the country’s heartbeat,” he said. “Castle Lager Boktown carries that heartbeat into towns and cities across the country, giving supporters everywhere a front-row view while offering partners a stage to enrich the Springbok story.”
With multiple stops across South Africa, including Witbank on July 12 and Nelspruit on August 16, Boktown has quickly become an essential part of the rugby season. It’s an event that brings together fans not just to watch the game, but to celebrate the cultural fabric of rugby in South Africa.
Upcoming Boktown Events:
- 5 July: Springboks vs Italy – Bloemfontein
- 12 July: Springboks vs Australia – Witbank
- 16 August: Springboks vs Australia – Nelspruit
- 23 August: Springboks vs Australia – Durban
- 23 August: Springboks vs Australia – Soweto
- 27 September: Springboks vs Argentina – Nylstroom
- 4 October: Argentina vs Springboks – Pretoria
- 8 November: France vs Springboks – Boland
- 22 November: Ireland vs Springboks – Benoni
