Rugby dignitaries and legends of the game, including Sport Minister Gayton McKezie [seventh from right], witness the launch of the 2025 BokTowns viewing event series at the SAB Headquarters in Bryanston. Photo: Supplied

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The popular match viewing platform known as BokTowns are back-powered by Castle Lager – turning fan parks across the country into the best seat outside the stadium. The first traveling series fan-park of the 2025 tour opens on June 28 at Wanderers Oval in Johannesburg where Springboks supporters will gather to watch the first-ever clash with the Barbarians on South African soil. 

The day is set up as a full-scale festival: live sets from Goodluck , Shekinah, Loufi, and 4am.band, plus a battle between Jacaranda FM favourite, Barney Simon and Alex Jay. Add food markets, appearances by Springboks, Springbok Legends and activations from fellow Springbok partners, and every fan will feel the green-and-gold gees from first whistle to last. “BokTown turns every Test into a nationwide gathering,” said Thomas Lawrence, Castle Lager brand director.

“From the anthem to the final whistle, we want fans shoulder-to-shoulder, singing, cheering and making memories. With our partners on board, we’ve packed the day with music, legends and family fun so everyone goes home smiling.” “Springbok rugby is more than a match-day; it’s the country’s heartbeat,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.  “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,” he said at the launch event held at the South African Breweries (SAB) headquarters in Bryanston.

The atmosphere builds all afternoon, culminating in the live broadcast of the Springboks v Barbarians showdown on the giant screen. The first Castle Lager BokTown event will be held on June 28 at the Wanderers Oval, Johannesburg, when the Boks take on the Barbarians, with kick set for 17H00 and gates open at 12H00.

Tickets will be available for R80 at howler.co.za The following will be the BokTown stops in 2025:

• 28 June: Springboks vs Barbarians – Johannesburg
• 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.