The dates for England’s southern hemisphere tour to South Africa next June have been confirmed by South Africa Rugby Union.
England will face the Springboks in a three-Test series in Johannesburg (9 June), Bloemfontein (16 June) and Cape Town (23 June).
England last toured South Africa in 2012 losing the first two Tests before drawing the final match.
“A three-Test series against South Africa is going to be a big challenge but a fantastic opportunity for this team,” said head coach Eddie Jones.
“England have only ever won three games in South Africa so we have a chance to create some history by winning the series.”
England last played South Africa in November 2016 at Twickenham Stadium during the Old Mutual Wealth Series, winning 37-21, the first win against the Springboks in a decade. England have not won a Test in South Africa since Bloemfontein in 2000 and out of the 13 Tests between the two countries in South Africa, the home team has won nine, lost three and drawn one.
“Under Eddie Jones the English have re-established themselves as one of the powerhouses of World Rugby – they have only lost one Test in the last two seasons,” said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.
“Our history against England goes back more than a century and we are looking forward to welcoming them back to South Africa next year in what promises to be a tough tour.
“In 2012, they played in Johannesburg, but it’s been 10 years since they last visited Bloemfontein, while the Test in Cape Town will be England’s first visit to the Mother City since 1998.”