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Stuart McCloskey reveals there's a growing "beef" between South Africa and Ireland, highlighting the fierce rivalry that's developed in recent years. This tension is rooted in both nations’ rise to prominence in rugby, with South Africa as back-to-back world champions and Ireland having dominated their encounters from 2017 to 2024.
Ireland defeated South Africa 13-8 in a 2023 Rugby World Cup pool match, but the Springboks retaliated with a 27-20 win at Loftus Versfeld in July 2024 before Ireland leveled the series a week later with a narrow 25-24 victory. However, South Africa struck back in November 2025, winning 24-13 in Dublin, much to the delight of their fans.
On the For The Love of Rugby podcast, McCloskey noted the impact of the United Rugby Championship on this rivalry, suggesting more frequent encounters have intensified the competition. He humorously remarked that "the South Africans just hate the Irish," while also acknowledging the cordiality between fans.
The rivalry was further fueled during the 2023 World Cup when Irish fans’ rendition of "Zombie" was humorously co-opted by South African supporters. McCloskey's candid comments reflect the palpable tension, showcasing a fierce but entertaining competition between two of rugby’s top teams.
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