Date
TBC
Team
TBC
Inanda Club, Sandton
Johannesburg
Until next year…
If you would like to partner with us please contact steven@equuscollection.com
follow all the updates and announcements on our channels
The 2026 Nedbank International Polo returns to the iconic Inanda Club in the heart of Sandton, where world-class polo meets the unmistakable flair and vibrant energy of Johannesburg’s most stylish crowd.
Expect vibrant fashion, elevated hospitality and another thrilling international match. We are also delighted to welcome back the Amex Café & Picnic, offering guests beautiful ways to enjoy the day — from relaxed field side moments to refined polo hospitality.
We look forward to welcoming you to another unforgettable celebration of sport, style and summer. Follow our social channels as we reveal more in the lead-up to the big game.
Field side Picnic Boxes and VIP hospitality at the EQUUS are now available.
American Express returns to the Nedbank International Polo for another unforgettable season, bringing its signature style to one of the year’s most anticipated events.
Set against the iconic Inanda Club, the Amex Café & Picnic experiences are perfectly positioned on the East Bank, offering uninterrupted views of the field. Whether you bring your own picnic or enjoy the ease of the café, you’re guaranteed a front‑row seat to the action.
New this year, guests can pre‑order a picnic basket for two, curated by Gemelli’s—adding effortless indulgence to the day.
From refined luxury to relaxed picnic moments, the American Express experience offers a distinctive way to enjoy every moment.
All experiences are available via Howler.
EQUUS creates the ultimate deluxe match-side experience. Perfectly situated along the field, guests can enjoy unparalleled views of the thrilling polo action while being served in five-star luxury throughout the afternoon.
An abundant and indulgent experience awaits, where exceptional hospitality, refined cuisine and the vibrant energy of the Nedbank International Polo come together in one of the most sought-after settings on the day.
Download the hospitality packages below to find out more
Field side Picnics offer an immersive way to experience the day, positioned front row on the field where you can take in every moment of the fast-paced polo action. Perfect for hosting groups of up to 10 guests, this experience allows you to craft the day your way, with catering options available to suit your occasion.
Whether you are a polo fanatic and a seasoned Nedbank International Polo guest, or a first-time spectator discovering the thrill of the sport, the Amex Cafe & Picnic promises an unforgettable vantage point from which to enjoy the energy, style and excitement of the day.
Download the hospitality packages below to find out more
follow all the updates and announcements on our channels
11h00
Gates open
12h00 – 12h30
E-Wheel Polo: Fire Starters vs Outlaws
12h45 – 13h00
Fund-Raising Auction
13h15 – 13h45
Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Exhibition
14h25
National anthems
14h30
Main match | South Africa vs Argentina
16h00
Prize-giving
The Nedbank International Polo is proud to work with leading category partners in
support of South Africa’s inaugural international match fixture.
The South African Polo Association (SAPA) is the official administrative controlling body of polo in South Africa. All clubs affiliate through their provincial bodies to SAPA, which, in turn, affiliates to Hurlingham Polo Association (based in the UK) and Federacion Internationale de Polo (based in Argentina). SAPA’s constitution was first formulated in 1905, making it one of the oldest sporting bodies in the country.
The role of SAPA is to administer the annual fixture lists, what the handicaps of all players, disciplinary matters, help coordinate development initiatives and to govern policy relating to all matters regarding polo and polo ponies. SAPA is a Section 21 non-profit organisation and assists its affiliated provinces and clubs with interest free loans for the benefit of its members.
Visit the website for annual polo fixtures.
Rules provided by The South African Polo Association. Visit their website for more information.
THE RULES
A match consists of 6-8 chukkas, each lasting seven minutes plus up to 30 seconds of overtime. A horn is blown at the end of 7 minutes to signal to the players that 30 seconds remain in the chukka. During the 30 seconds, play continues until a team scores, the ball goes out of play or a player commits a foul. During the breaks players are able to switch ponies.
Play takes place on a field of about 300 yards (275 metres) long by 160 yards (150 metres) wide. In theory, that is about the same size as six soccer pitches. The goal posts, which collapse on severe impact, are set eight yards apart.
There are 4 players on a team with each player assigned a distinctly different role according to their position. The Number 1 player is essentially a goal striker whose primary role is to score goals. The Number 2 player is also a forward, but plays harder, especially on defence. Number 3 is the pivotal player between offence and defence who tries to turn all plays to offence. He is usually the highest rated player on the team. The Number 4 player (or back), is essentially the most defensive player whose primary responsibility is to protect the goal area.
All players are rated on a scale of -2 to 10 (the higher the better). Although the word ‘goal’ is often used after the rating, it bears no relation to the number of goals a player scores in a match, but to their overall playing ability. A player’s horsemanship, range of strokes, speed of play, team and game sense are the factors considered in determining their handicap. The team handicap is the sum of its players’ handicaps. the team with the lower handicap is awarded the difference in goals at the start of the game. For example, a 26-goal team would give two goals start to a 24-goal team.
Any time the ball crosses, at any height, the line between the goal posts, it is considered a goal regardless of who knocks it through, including the pony. After each goal, the teams change ends (i.e. switch the halves they defend). This allows both teams equal opportunities to score in case the field or weather is working to one direction’s advantage (equalise wind and turf conditions). The game is continuous and can only be stopped if a foul is called, an injury occurs to either a polo pony or rider, or if a player’s tack is broken.
There are 4 players on a team with each player assigned a distinctly different role according to their position. The Number 1 player is essentially a goal striker whose primary role is to score goals. The Number 2 player is also a forward, but plays harder, especially on defence. Number 3 is the pivotal player between offence and defence who tries to turn all plays to offence. He is usually the highest rated player on the team. The Number 4 player (or back), is essentially the most defensive player whose primary responsibility is to protect the goal area.
With a combined polo history spanning over four centuries, the best players from both nations will battle it out on the field in what is sure to be a thrilling display of dexterity, teamwork, and horsemanship.
The number assigned to the player who is the striker. The primary focus of this player is to be the “opportunist” and to score goals
The player who plays as the flanker wears the number two and should be relentless in ensuring forward play and act as the ”delivery man” to the striker
The pivotal “playmaker” wears the number three and acts as flyhalf to set up movements and play. This is usually the highest-rated player on the field
The player playing at full-back wears the number four as “the defender” and is the last line of defence but is also the initiator of attack
Mounted referees are responsible for enforcing the rules. There are always two on the field on horses to keep up with the players.
With a combined polo history spanning over four centuries, the best players from both nations will battle it out on the field in what is sure to be a thrilling display of dexterity, teamwork, and horsemanship.
The number assigned to the player who is the striker. The primary focus of this player is to be the “opportunist” and to score goals
The player who plays as the flanker wears the number two and should be relentless in ensuring forward play and act as the ”delivery man” to the striker
The pivotal “playmaker” wears the number three and acts as flyhalf to set up movements and play. This is usually the highest-rated player on the field
The player playing at full-back wears the number four as “the defender” and is the last line of defence but is also the initiator of attack
Mounted referees are responsible for enforcing the rules. There are always two on the field on horses to keep up with the players.
Follow us on social media for the latest updates on the teams and players.
Founded in 1934, Inanda ranks as one of the most prestigious polo clubs in Southern Africa. Nestled in the heart of the Sandton, the venue’s rich equestrian history provides an elegant backdrop for the country’s most anticipated polo event.
Your Uber drop-off and collection point will be via one of three Gates at the venue. Limited pre-arranged parking is available and not guaranteed. We encourage our patrons to celebrate the day with us in ultimate relaxation by making use of Uber and taxi services.
