SANZAAR made a significant announced on Thursday, ending a lengthy period of speculation about the Rugby Championship’s future.
It has been confirmed that the Rugby Championship will not take place next year, but will return in 2027, 2028 and 2029. Interestingly, and for the first time, a full Rugby Championship will be played in a World Cup year (2027).
For the Springboks, next year will bring a whole new challenge, as the All Blacks will tour South Africa in 2026 in a visit that will be similar to a traditional British & Irish Lions tour.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the All Blacks’ tour to SA will involve a blockbuster seven-match tour of South Africa, facing the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions, alongside three Tests against the Springboks. A fourth Test, outside of South Africa, could also be added to the itinerary.
The calendar also includes the proposed Nations Championship to be played in 2026, 2028 and 2030. The concept will see the twelve biggest rugby nations in the world, packed with the best players in the sport, meeting across two rounds of fixtures in July and November – every two years – to decide the dominant nation and the balance of power between rugby’s hemispheres.
Big change for the Rugby Championship
A new addition to the Sanzaar calendar will see various international multi-week tours played in the August-September window in non-Rugby Championship years (2026 & 2030).
SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris commented, “Looking ahead, our joint-venture is committed to driving the next chapter of southern hemisphere rugby. By collaborating closely with our Unions and valued broadcasting and commercial partners, we’ve developed an innovative calendar designed to deliver thrilling rugby experiences and set new benchmarks for the game in the years to come.”
“This new calendar for Southern Hemisphere rugby is all about bringing to the fans the highest level of world class rugby and action. Indeed, after listening to what supporters, broadcasters and our stakeholders want, we’ve worked with the Unions to craft a bold and dynamic schedule designed to deliver unforgettable moments every year.”
“Whether you’re cheering at the ground or watching at home, get ready for an era of electrifying matches, fierce rivalries, and world-class rugby experiences that put our passionate supporters front and centre. It’s a new dawn for southern hemisphere rugby, and we can’t wait for our fans to be part of this exciting journey.”
“The future of southern hemisphere rugby is brighter than ever. Our member unions have a proud record on the international stage and SANZAAR believes this new calendar will assist in strengthening this record, while delivering to the fans unparalleled excitement and access to the world’s best rugby.”
SANZAAR SHAKE THINGS UP
This latest iteration of international matches follows three decades of the SANZAAR joint venture delivering some of the best rugby action in the world and a partnership that has seen the southern hemisphere teams constantly at the top of the world rankings and winning nine out of ten Rugby World Cup titles.
Further information and detailed schedules will be shared by SANZAAR and the National Unions in the coming days and weeks as plans are finalised.
