TOURISM BOOST AS STORMERS RETURN TO NELSON MANDELA BAY STADIUM
Nelson Mandela Bay is once again in the global spotlight as top-tier rugby returns to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. On Saturday, 13 December 2025, the DHL Stormers will face French giants Stade Rochelais in a Round Two Investec Champions Cup fixture at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. This marks the second consecutive season that the Eastern Cape hosts a Champions Cup clash, following last year’s successful encounter between the Stormers and RC Toulon.
MBDA CEO Anele Qaba says that the return of the Stormers is a powerful endorsement of the city’s ability to host world-class fixtures. “Gqeberha proudly steps up as the Stormers’ home away from home. We are proud to welcome the DHL Stormers back.” He added that hosting the Springboks earlier this year further cemented the stadium’s reputation as a national and local economic asset. “The Investec Champions Cup fixture is a catalyst for local economic activity and tourism growth. The benefits are tangible – thousands of visitors will attend the match, dine in restaurants, stay in hotels, and experience the best that the Bay has to offer. This influx of visitors strengthens the hospitality sector and creates opportunities for businesses across the Metro.”
Reflecting on last year’s Investec Champions Cup fixture, Stadium Executive Raaziq Poole said the event provided an ideal platform to showcase both the stadium and the city. He confirmed that preparations for this year’s clash are complete. “The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is ready to host. Come Saturday, it is all systems go. We have worked closely with the DHL Stormers’ operational team for months to ensure a seamless event. We encourage all rugby-loving spectators to come out in numbers and secure their tickets today via Ticketmaster. We are planning a fun-filled day of activities and a truly family-friendly environment for all patrons to enjoy.”
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Cllr Neville Higginssaid that as a Metro, it was a deep honour to host a world-class Investec Champions Cup fixture right here at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. “Occasions like this inspire our young people. Seeing Rugby World Cup heroes such as Damian Willemse, Frans Malherbe, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Cobus Reinach on our home turf strengthens our commitment to developing sport at all levels. We welcome our supporters and visitors from Cape Town and beyond to an unforgettable December in Gqeberha. This fixture is proof that Nelson Mandela Bay continues to shine on the global sporting stage, and we are proud to stand ready to deliver an event of excellence.”
As fans look forward to seeing some of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup heroes in action, DHL Stormers Director of Rugby, John Dobson, highlighted the importance of home-ground support. “It was great to win away from home, but we know it will take a big effort against a highly physical Stade Rochelais team. We always get such fantastic support in Gqeberha, so we are really looking forward to what should be a big match with Test-match intensity at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.”
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe describes this weekend’s fixture as a proud and significant moment for our city. “This reflects the confidence that major organisers have in our Metro’s capability, professionalism and world-class infrastructure,” he says. “We are excited to welcome rugby supporters and visitors travelling from across the country, and we look forward to showcasing the warmth, resilience and excellence that define Nelson Mandela Bay.”
The MBDA, as an agency of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, continues to deliver on its mandate by positioning the Stadium precinct as an economic catalyst for the region. With international rugby returning, the message is clear: Nelson Mandela Bay is ready, capable, and proud to host world-class events.
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster. Join us on 13 December for an unforgettable day of rugby, community, and celebration in Gqeberha.