adidas Celebrates Rugby’s Greatest Showdown as Greatness Collides Ahead of the South Africa vs New Zealand Tour
Few sporting contests capture the imagination quite like South Africa versus New Zealand. Ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 All Blacks Tour of South Africa this August, adidas celebrates rugby’s Greatness Collides, a campaign that brings together legends, current stars and the next generation of fans in celebration of the game, its culture and the moments that connect them.
The 2026 All Blacks Tour of South Africa features a seven-match series, beginning with an opening fixture against the DHL Stormers before three highly anticipated Test matches between South Africa and New Zealand, as two rugby nations meet once again on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Rooted in one of rugby’s greatest feuds, the campaign moves beyond the 80 minutes on the pitch to capture the spirit that has defined South African and New Zealand rugby for generations. Inspired by the backyards, neighbourhoods and communities where rugby stories begin, the campaign celebrates the shared passion, fierce competition and mutual respect that unite fans across both nations.
At the heart of the campaign is a cinematic hero film featuring adidas athletes from both nations, including South African stars Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, alongside rugby legend Jean de Villiers, and New Zealand’s Beauden Barrett and Ruben Love as well as legend Dan Carter. Together, they tell a story that reflects the emotion, pride and mutual respect that have made South Africa versus New Zealand one of world sport’s most celebrated rivalries.
While the players will stand on opposite sides of the field, united by the Three Stripes, highlighting adidas’ unique position as the only global sports brand with authentic connections across both teams. The campaign showcases how the stories, friendships and moments that shape rugby extend well beyond the final whistle, reinforcing adidas’ role as a brand deeply embedded in the culture of the game.
“This campaign is about celebrating everything that makes South Africa and New Zealand such a special fixture in world rugby,” said Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director, adidas South Africa. “Greatness Collides celebrates what happens when two rugby powerhouses meet. It’s about the communities, traditions and players that have shaped this rivalry for generations, while showcasing adidas’ unique connection to both teams and the fans who live every moment with them.”
Launching alongside the campaign is the new adidas x New Zealand Rugby All Blacks Collection, created to commemorate the 2026 All Blacks Tour of South Africa. Giving fans the freedom to show their support their way, the collection brings rugby pride into everyday life through a leisurewear range featuring men’s and ladies’ tees, quarter-zips, pants and shorts, alongside official match and training apparel.
Fans can also shop the wider adidas Rugby Fanwear range, available in selected adidas stores and online. The New Zealand Leisurewear Collection forms part of this fanwear offering, giving supporters more ways to wear their rugby pride both on match day and every day. The collection has been engineered using player insights to meet the physical demands of elite rugby, while the wider apparel range allows fans to celebrate one of rugby’s most anticipated tours both on and off the field.
The adidas x New Zealand Rugby All Blacks Collection, together with the adidas Rugby Fanwear range, is available at selected adidas stores, wholesale partners and online at adidas.co.za/rugby.
To watch Greatness Collides, visit adidas on YOUTUBE.
