November Saturdays offer South Africans a month of international rugby and cricket to watch on television, or even live, if you are lucky enough. 

The Springboks head to Europe for three Nations Championship Tests. Meanwhile, the Proteas welcome Bangladesh for two Tests on home soil. 

Rugby fans can follow the Boks through Italy, France and Ireland. Cricket supporters can watch South Africa defend its World Test Championship title. 

The schedule includes several matches beyond Saturdays, so fans should plan around the full month.

WHEN DO THE SPRINGBOKS PLAY IN EUROPE?

The Springboks begin their European tour against Italy on Saturday, 7 November. The match takes place at Allianz Stadium in Turin. Kick-off is at 13:40 South African time.

The Boks then face France on Friday, 13 November. Stade de France in Paris hosts the match, which starts at 22:10 South African time. It gives supporters a late-night fixture to follow.

The final pool match comes against Ireland on Saturday, 21 November. The teams meet at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Kick-off takes place at 18:40 South African time.

These matches form part of the Nations Championship, the international competition featuring 12 teams. 

The Springboks will also have a chance to qualify for the Finals Weekend in London, which runs from 27 to 29 November at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. 

WHEN CAN FANS WATCH THE PROTEAS?

The Proteas begin their home Test series against Bangladesh on Sunday, 15 November. The first match runs until Thursday, 19 November. DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg hosts the five-day Test. Play starts at 10:00 each day.

The second Test begins on Monday, 23 November. SuperSport Park in Centurion hosts the match through Friday, 27 November. The first ball will also be bowled at 10:00.

The series follows South Africa’s recent 2-1 Test series victory over Australia. Captain Temba Bavuma will lead the Proteas against Bangladesh.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD FANS MARK ON THEIR CALENDARS?

Bafana Bafana also return to action during November’s international window.

South Africa host Kenya in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday, 13 November. The match kicks off at 18:00 at Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg. Bafana then travel to Nairobi for the return fixture on Tuesday, 17 November. Both matches count towards qualification for the 2027 tournament.

The key November Saturdays are 7 and 21 November for Springbok rugby. The Proteas’ Test series spans the middle and final weeks of the month. Neither Test begins on a Saturday, but both offer weekday cricket for fans. And soccer fans should diarise 13 and 17 November.

South Africa’s November sporting calendar therefore centres on several international campaigns. The Springboks chase Nations Championship progress in Europe. The Proteas aim to build momentum at home against Bangladesh, and Bafana Bafana plays in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

Supporters can look forward to exciting Saturdays when they can follow both teams through a busy month of international competition.