As South Africa gained global attention, the 1995 Rugby World Cup emerged as a defining moment, symbolising national unity and the beginning of a new era. The Springboks captured the world's attention during a historic moment wherein President Nelson Mandela presented the Webb Ellis Trophy to team captain Francois Pienaar, says SuperSport.

During this occasion, SuperSport was simultaneously expanding its reach, laying the foundation to become a leading live sports broadcaster. Thirty years later, the Springboks are regarded as one of the sport's most successful teams, while SuperSport stands as Africa's leading sports broadcaster.

SuperSport is marking 30 years of broadcasting by revisiting some of sport's most unifying moments, beginning with the 1995 Rugby World Cup — an event that captured the spirit of national triumph and unity, says the broadcaster.

As part of the innovative features of the commemoration, supporters will be able to interact with the campaign through SuperSport. SuperSport invites fans to vote for their greatest 15 players relevant to the past 30 years. The final Springbok 'Dream Team' will be revealed on Saturday, 22 November, with voting opening on Monday, 23 June, says SuperSport.

Over 15 weeks of SuperSport's 'Dream Team' campaign, fans will vote for their top player in each starting position, with discussions unfolding across SuperSport's on-air rugby shows, digital platforms and social media channels. The Springboks are set to play 14 confirmed fixtures, all of which will be broadcast live by SuperSport. The season starts with the Barbarians versus the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday, 28 June and concludes with the end-of-season European tour in November, adds the broadcaster.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of South Africa's 1995 Rugby World Cup victory, additional ticket blocks have been released for the Qatar Airways Cup match between the Barbarians and the Springboks at DHL Stadium, taking place one week before the historic milestone, says SuperSport.

SuperSport will broadcast all Springbok matches of 2025 live, accompanied by analysis from former players, including Jean de Villiers, Hanyane Shimange, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Breyton Paulse, Owen Nkumane and Gcobani Bobo. Fan-favourite rugby presenter, Motshidisi Mohono, will lead discussions throughout the season.

The Springboks' Castle Lager Incoming Series against Italy and Georgia will showcase the next generation of talent, with matches scheduled at Loftus (Saturday, 5 July), Nelson Mandela Bay (Saturday, 12 July) and Mbombela (Saturday, 19 July). SuperSport will launch a new rugby magazine show, Bok Friday, premiering on Friday, 27 June.

Supporters can tune into a variety of magazine programmes for in-depth analysis and 'Dream Team' debates, including The Selector and Super Rugby (Mondays), Phaka (Tuesdays), All Access (Tuesdays for seven weeks), What Goes on Tour (Wednesdays), Final Whistle — Side Entry (Thursdays) and the special live podcast show Bok Friday.

"Over our 30 years in broadcast, SuperSport has always made a point to platform rugby and its stars in both innovative and engaging ways," says SuperSport CEO. Rendani Ramovha. "The Springboks have been a focal point in making this a reality. So, to combine the celebration of both our milestones is a natural fit. The enduring images of Francois Pienaar in 1995, John Smit in Paris and Siya Kolisi, back-to-back, lifting world rugby's most coveted silverware are deeply imbued with SuperSport, thus making the two brands synonymous with one another in the eyes of the world."

Ramovha adds that the last three decades have been momentous for South African sport, with the Springboks and SuperSport at the very centre. "These year-long celebrations are a reminder of the power of collective efforts to platform, propel and support South African talent both on and off the field," Ramovha adds.

As part of the 30-year celebrations, SuperSport will also commemorate the 1995 Rugby World Cup by airing the Springboks' full tournament journey, including the final against the All Blacks. These initiatives aim to create a dynamic atmosphere around a powerful unifier of South Africa, sport, highlighting the achievements of the Springboks and the trusted coverage of SuperSport.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the Springboks' victory over New Zealand, a symbolic jumbo jet flyover will take place as the Springboks start their 2025 season against the Barbarians. In tribute, a special "95 Remembered" ticket category priced at R950 has been added, available for purchase in the northern and southern sections of the stadium.

SA Rugby President, Mark Alexander, says, "This year, we mark a moment etched into the soul of our nation — the 30th anniversary of the Springboks' historic triumph at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. That victory was more than just a sporting milestone, it was a profound national moment of unity, pride and healing. In the first year of our democracy, the Springboks became a powerful symbol of what South Africa could be when united by a common purpose. Under the leadership of President Nelson Mandela and the heroics of Francois Pienaar and his team, rugby transformed from a game into a bridge — spanning decades of division and reminding us all of our shared humanity."

Alexander concludes, "Three decades on, we honour not only the players who lifted the Webb Ellis Cup, but also the enduring legacy of that moment: a vision of a South Africa where diversity is a strength and unity a choice we make every day."

For more information, visit www.supersport.com. You can also follow SuperSport on Facebook, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor