The Springboks will face Wales at the Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in Washington DC on 2 June.

This will be the first time the Boks will face tier-one opposition on neutral ground outside the World Cup. Kickoff is scheduled for 17:00 (23:00 SA time).

The match will take place a week before the first Test of a three-match series between South Africa and England at Ellis Park.

It will be the Boks’ first visit to the USA since December 2001, when they beat the Eagles 43-20 in Houston.

‘The match in Washington allows us to take Springbok rugby to America and to potentially expand the team’s appeal to a very large audience,’ said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.

‘Our research shows that the Springboks have a growing worldwide fan base, and we see the match in Washington as an ideal platform to tap into a market that offers huge possibilities for South African rugby in the exciting American sporting area.

‘We are also grateful to the Wales Rugby Union for their efforts in making this match a reality and it will get a very challenging international season off to a great start.’

The Springboks have lost their last two Tests against Wales, both of which were played in Cardiff.

Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images