Loftus braces for sellout, record crowd in 1st Wales Test

Loftus Versfeld will be sold out when the Springboks take on Wales in the first Test on Saturday, setting a new record attendance for a fixture between the sides in South Africa. 

By Tuesday lunch-time, there were only about 1 000 seats of the almost 52 000 capacity venue still available.  

The previous record for the most spectators at a Springbok v Wales Test match in South Africa came at Loftus in 2004 when a crowd of 43 920 attended, while in 2008, the figure reached 43 393 at Loftus.  

This is the first time since 2019 that a capacity crowd will be allowed as a Test match in South Africa.

"It is a great milestone for us to host an almost capacity crowd at Loftus Versfeld for such an important game," said Bulls CEO Edgar rathbone. 

"To be able to do this after a period of over two years where spectators have not had the opportunity to fill sporting venues to full capacity is incredible.

"We must take a moment to appreciate the hard work that has gone behind the scenes from the staff at Loftus Versfeld, in conjunction with SA Rugby and all other stakeholders to make this all possible and the success we all envision it to be.

"Loftus Versfeld is a world-class facility, with a rich history. As we etch our names into the history records this weekend, we are confident and continue to work hard to ensure that our beloved spectators and stakeholders have a world-class experience at this weekend’s match." 

Kick-off on Saturday is at 17:05 and gates open at 13:00. 

Highest crowd figures for matches between the Springboks and Wales in SA:

2004: Loftus Versfeld – 43 920

2008: Loftus Versfeld – 43 393

2002: Cape Town – 40 574

2014: Durban – 37 812

1964: Durban – 35 000

2002: Bloemfontein – 34 000

2014: Nelspruit – 25 424

1998: Loftus Versfeld –