The All Blacks and Springboks will use Rhino’s elite-level Vortex Pro match ball for the four-Test series Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Rhino has further strengthened its world-class match ball credentials with the news that it will be providing match balls for the entire Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry 2026, presented by Castle Double Malt, that sees the Springboks and All Blacks take part in four Tests, three in South Africa and one in Baltimore, USA.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is the first series between two iconic nations of world rugby since 1996, and the Springboks and All Blacks will play with a Rhino match ball across all four Tests.
The All Blacks will join England, Scotland and Wales (who also face South Africa as part of the Nations Championship) in playing with a Rhino match ball in 15-a-side international men’s Test rugby for the first time this year. The Rhino Vortex Pro will also be used in matches for the All Blacks against DHL Stormers, Hollywood Bets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Lions, with the Rhino Vortex XV (size 4.5) used for the Test between the Springbok Women and Black Ferns – all games which form part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour.
Rhino is already the official match ball partner of SA Rugby, and has also been used by the Springboks in Tests against Australia, Argentina, Italy, Georgia, Japan and a non-Test match against the Barbarians, as well as in women’s and age-grade international matches. “This is a very special moment for Rhino,” said Reg Clark, chair, Rhino. “We’ve spent more than a decade developing our elite-level ball offering, and the Vortex Pro performed exceptionally well in last year’s home Springbok Tests, so it’s fitting that it will be taking centre stage for this historic moment in rugby history. We’re confident it’s going to deliver once again.”
Rian Oberholzer, CEO SA Rugby, said of the partnership: “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is about bringing the very best of South African and New Zealand rugby together on a stage that respects the history, intensity and quality of this fixture. Every detail matters, and the match ball is a key part of that. Rhino has already demonstrated its quality and reliability through its partnership with SA Rugby, and we are pleased that the Vortex Pro will be used across this landmark occasion for the Springboks and the All Blacks.”
In addition to the Springbok partnership, 83 rugby playing nations use Rhino match balls across Rugby Europe and Asia Rugby, and the famed rugby brand has also produced a world-first eco rugby ball range made from recycled rubber. “We firmly believe our rugby offering is second to none," explains Philip Moore, chief executive, Rhino South Africa. “We’re proud to be delivering not just the match ball, but the full spectrum of training and match equipment at the highest, most demanding level of Test rugby — right alongside the Springboks. From the scrum machine on the training field to the ball that crosses the try line on match day, Rhino Rugby is a complete, full-service rugby brand. And our comprehensive range offers something that meets the needs of every club, union, school and university. It truly is the complete package.”
To find out more about Rhino’s range of rugby balls, including the official match ball of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, please visit rhino.direct
To find out more about the Rhino Vortex Pro, visit https://rhino.direct/blogs/the-locker-room-blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-rhino-vortex-pro
About Rhino
Rhino is one of the world’s biggest rugby brands, having delivered technical equipment and match balls to the sport for more than forty years. Its partnerships include SA Rugby, England Rugby, Welsh Rugby Union, Asia Rugby, French Rugby Federation, Rugby Europe and it has been official equipment supplier on the past five British & Irish Lions tours,
View the full range of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry balls here