There’s nothing quite like watching the Boks with a crowd, and luckily you don’t have to do it alone on your laptop in the Netherlands. Here’s where to watch the Springboks, from a proper South African sports bar in Amsterdam to rugby clubs and Irish pubs around the country.
Short answer: for the full South African experience, go to the Lion’s Head in Amsterdam. Irish pubs like O’Reilly’s also show international rugby, and local rugby clubs are great places to watch with other fans.
The Lion’s Head, Amsterdam
The Lion’s Head in De Pijp is a South African restaurant, brewery and sports bar in one, with 16 beers on tap and South African food. Their motto is basically “if it’s on, we’re showing it”. For big Springbok matches, book ahead through their website or WhatsApp.
Where: Van Woustraat 36, Amsterdam
Irish pubs and sports bars
Irish pubs are a safe bet for international rugby, and on a Springbok match day you’ll usually find a few green and gold jerseys in the crowd. Places that have been popular with rugby fans include:
- O’Reilly’s, Amsterdam: shows international rugby and all major sports, and you can book a table
- O’Donnell’s, Heinekenplein, Amsterdam
- Mulligans, Amsterdam
- Coco’s Outback, Rembrandtplein, Amsterdam: shows pretty much all live sport
- The Kiwi, Amsterdam: a New Zealand bar, so choose your jersey wisely
- Peter’s Irish Pub, Maastricht, known to be popular with South African rugby fans
- O’Shea’s Irish Pub, Eindhoven
Most of these come from DutchNews’ rugby list. Pubs change what they show, so check their socials or call ahead before a big game.
Rugby clubs
Dutch rugby clubs often screen big international matches in their clubhouse, and they’re a great way to meet other fans. Rugby Club Haarlem has been a meeting point for Springbok supporters, and clubs like Rugby Club Hilversum have also shown matches. Follow your local club’s socials to find out when they’re screening.
South African shops and events
KuierKos in Bloemendaal has run a Springbok fan zone during big tournaments, which is exactly what it sounds like. And keep an eye out for South African events: the first SAFFA Fest in Amsterdam in September 2026 combined a braai, music and a live rugby match. More on that in my post about the South African community in the Netherlands.
Upcoming Springbok matches
According to SA Rugby Magazine’s 2026 schedule, the Boks play these November 2026 matches as part of the new Nations Championship:
- 7 November: Italy vs South Africa, Turin
- 13 November: France vs South Africa, Stade de France, Paris
- 21 November: Ireland vs South Africa, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- 27 to 29 November: Finals weekend at Twickenham, London
Paris is only about three and a half hours from Amsterdam by train, so if you’ve ever wanted to see the Boks live, this is your chance. Check kick-off times closer to the date, and remember that in winter the Netherlands is one hour behind South Africa.
Watching at home
Broadcast rights for international rugby change from year to year and from tournament to tournament, so there’s no single channel for Springbok matches in the Netherlands. Check the official tournament website before match day to see who is showing it in the Netherlands. Or save yourself the stress and go to the pub.
Match day tips
- Book a table for big games, especially against the All Blacks
- Get there early for a good view of the screen
- Wear your jersey. It’s the easiest way to find fellow South Africans
- Make a day of it: grab some boerewors and biltong from a South African shop and host your own braai before kick-off
FAQ
Where can I watch the Springboks in Amsterdam?
The Lion’s Head, a South African sports bar and brewery in De Pijp, is the best bet. Irish pubs like O’Reilly’s also show international rugby.
Is there a South African bar in the Netherlands?
Yes, the Lion’s Head on the Van Woustraat in Amsterdam is a South African restaurant, brewery and sports bar.
Hosting your own match day? Here’s where to buy South African food in the Netherlands.
