| Sport | Rugby union |
|---|---|
| Instituted | 2004 |
| Number of teams | 2 |
| Country |  South Africa New Zealand |
| Holders | South Africa (2024) |
| Most titles | New Zealand (16 titles) |
The Freedom Cup (Afrikaans: Vryheidsbeker)[1] is a minor international rugby union trophy contested between South Africa and New Zealand, during The Rugby Championship and previously during The Rugby Championship's predecessor, the Tri Nations. It was first contested in 2004 (the 10 year anniversary of South African democracy), in a one-off test. The game, played at Ellis Park, Johannesburg was won 40–26 by South Africa. However, in the 2006 Tri Nations Series, it was contested in all three New Zealand–South Africa matches.
In 2006, New Zealand won the first two matches, winning the Freedom Cup for the first time, but during the post-match presentation following the third game which was won by South Africa, Supersport presenter Joost van der Westhuizen incorrectly presented the trophy to Springbok captain John Smit who accepted it in front of millions of television viewers. The mistake was later corrected, off-air.
- ^ Agter die doellyn (eBoek): Glorieryke oomblikke in Springbokrugby met getuienisse en lewensverhale deur Victor Matfield, Pierre Spies, Beast Mtawarira, Morne Steyn, Juan Smith, Jannie en Bismarck du Plessis, Peter de Villiers ... Christelike Uitgewersmpy. 15 July 2011. ISBN 9781431603244 – via Google Books.