There is nothing quite like a Springbok test with your mense — the nerves before kick-off, the anthem, the whole room on its feet for a try. When you move abroad, that feeling is one of the things people miss most. It doesn't have to be. With a bit of planning you can watch the Springboks abroad properly: on a big screen, with sound, surrounded by green and gold.
Here's how Bokke fans abroad find the broadcast, the right pub, and the right crowd — wherever they've landed.
Find out who broadcasts the Boks where you live
TV rights are sold country by country, so the channel or streaming service that shows the Springboks in Australia is not the same as in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada or the Middle East. Rights also change between seasons and competitions, so last year's answer may not be this year's.
How to find the right broadcaster
- Check the official competition or World Rugby website — for big tournaments they usually publish where to watch in each country.
- Search “[competition] broadcaster [your country]”, e.g. “Rugby Championship broadcaster Canada”.
- Look at the sports sections of your local free-to-air and pay-TV providers in the week before the match.
- If you already pay for a sports streaming service, check its fixtures or schedule page — rugby is often tucked away under “more sports”.
Plan around the time zone
Where you live changes your whole match-day routine. A test played in the South African afternoon or evening can mean:
- UK, Ireland and most of Europe: roughly the same time as home, give or take an hour or two — the easiest place to be a Bok fan abroad.
- Australia and New Zealand: late night or the early hours of the next morning. Perth is the friendliest Australian time zone for games in SA.
- Canada and the USA: morning or early afternoon — breakfast rugby.
- The Gulf: a couple of hours ahead of SA, so evening kick-offs land late but watchable.
The reverse applies when the Boks play in Australia or New Zealand: fans in Europe and the Americas end up setting alarms. Always convert the kick-off time yourself — a world clock app or a quick search for “[kick-off time] SAST in [your city]” does the job — and double-check around daylight-saving changes, when the gap shifts by an hour.
Finding a pub that shows the Springboks
Plenty of pubs and sports bars abroad show rugby, and in cities with lots of South Africans some become unofficial Bok headquarters on test days. The challenge is finding them — and making sure they'll actually have your match on the big screen with the sound up.
What to search for
- “springboks pub [city]” or “watch springboks [city]” — e.g. springboks pub london.
- “rugby bar [suburb]” and “south african bar [city]”.
- “[competition] screening [city]” close to the date — pubs advertise big matches on social media.
- Check Google Maps reviews and photos for mentions of rugby, big screens and South African crowds.
What to ask before you go
- Are you definitely showing this match, and on which screens?
- Will the sound be on? (Some venues show several sports at once.)
- Do you take bookings for big matches, and is there a minimum spend or cover charge?
- Are you open for early-morning or late-night kick-offs?
- Do you expect a big South African crowd? (Usually the best sign it’ll be a proper vibe.)
For the biggest matches — finals, or a test against the All Blacks — book early. The pubs that do it well fill up.
Springbok supporter groups abroad
Bokke fans abroad organise themselves remarkably well. Look for supporter groups on social media by searching “springboks supporters [country or city]”, and ask at South African shops, churches, schools, sports clubs and braai events — someone always knows where the local crowd gathers.
Supporter groups often arrange block bookings at pubs, group tickets when the Boks tour your country, and social events in between. Joining one is also one of the easiest ways to make South African friends in a new city.
Hosting your own Bok viewing
No pub nearby? Host it yourself. A home viewing with a braai beforehand is as South African as it gets.
- Sort the stream early. Log in and test your legal streaming service well before kick-off, not five minutes before.
- Invite widely. Post the details in your local group — other Saffas nearby may be looking for exactly this.
- Keep the food simple. Braai before kick-off, boerewors rolls at half-time.
- Mind the neighbours for those early-hours games. The Boks winning is not an excuse your landlord will accept.
How Oorsee keeps you in the game
Oorsee was built by South Africans abroad, so rugby is baked in:
- Events near you — find Springbok viewings and braais in your city, or create your own and invite the local Saffas.
- Bokke Fantasy — build a squad with Oorsee Dollars and score off real Springbok, URC and Currie Cup matches, with Pick'em and Survivor for every match. Every member can try it free for a month.
- Your continent group and the feed — the fastest way to ask “where are we watching Saturday?”
- Messaging — organise the group booking without a 40-person WhatsApp chaos.
You can also ask where people are watching in the South Africans Living Abroad Facebook group. And with Rugby World Cup 2027 coming to Australia, read our RWC 2027 guide for South Africans.
Get Oorsee · Free
Never watch the Boks alone
- Find Springbok viewings and braais in your city — or host one
- Bokke Fantasy, Pick’em and Survivor on every match
- Ask your continent group where everyone’s watching
Frequently asked questions
How can I watch the Springboks live abroad?
Broadcast rights are sold country by country and change between competitions. Check the official World Rugby or competition website, your local free-to-air and pay-TV providers, and the schedule pages of sports streaming services in your country.
Can I use my South African streaming subscription overseas?
Often not — South African subscriptions are usually licensed for South Africa only. Check your provider’s terms, and use a legal broadcaster in the country you live in.
How do I find a pub showing the Springboks?
Search "springboks pub [city]", "rugby bar [suburb]" or "south african bar [city]", check reviews for mentions of rugby, and call ahead to confirm they’re showing your match with sound. Ask local South Africans in the Oorsee app or supporter groups where the crowd goes.
Are there Springbok supporter groups in Australia and the UK?
Yes — Bok supporters organise in many cities abroad. Search social media for "springboks supporters" plus your city or country, and look for Springbok viewing events in the Oorsee app.
What time do Springbok matches start in Australia or New Zealand?
Matches played in South Africa usually land late at night or in the early hours in eastern Australia and New Zealand, and a little earlier in Perth. Always convert the kick-off time for your city and watch for daylight-saving changes.
What is Bokke Fantasy?
Bokke Fantasy is the rugby fantasy game in the Oorsee app. You pick a squad with Oorsee Dollars, choose a captain and score off real Springbok, URC and Currie Cup matches, with Pick’em and Survivor games and leagues to play with your mates.
South African communities near you
See what's happening where Saffas live.