SANZAAR has confirmed the way forward for the Rugby Championship with the match to be performed in full via 2027, 2028 and 2029.
After months of hypothesis of the way forward for the match given South Africa and New Zealand’s deliberate excursions in 2026 and 2030 — dubbed ‘the Best Rugby Rivalry’ – leaving Australia and Argentina within the chilly, a deal has lastly been made between all 4 nations to see the continuation of the southern hemisphere match.
Given the All Blacks tour of South Africa in 2026 — and the reciprocal tour in 2030 — the RC is not going to happen with SANZAAR confirming “worldwide multi-week excursions” will play via the August-September window as a substitute. Earlier reviews have speculated South Africa will seemingly tour to Argentina and Australia whereas the Bledisloe Cup will nonetheless be in rivalry between Australia and New Zealand in 2026.
In the meantime, for the primary time a full RC match will happen in a World Cup yr with all 12 matches to happen forward of the worldwide match in Australia in 2027.
The calendar additionally contains the beforehand reported Nations Championship debuting within the July Take a look at window subsequent yr and the November Take a look at window.
The match is ready to function all 4 SANZAAR nations plus Fiji and Japan towards the northern hemisphere’s Six Nations – England, Scotland, Eire, Wales, France and Italy – with a closing to happen at Twickenham to find out the dominant rugby nation between the 2 hemispheres.
“Trying forward, our joint-venture is dedicated to driving the subsequent chapter of southern hemisphere rugby,” SANZAAR boss Brendan Morris stated. “By collaborating intently with our Unions and valued broadcasting and business companions, we have developed an modern calendar designed to ship thrilling rugby experiences and set new benchmarks for the sport within the years to come back.
“This new calendar for southern hemisphere rugby is all about bringing to the followers the best degree of world class rugby and motion. Certainly, after listening to what supporters, broadcasters and our stakeholders need, we have labored with the Unions to craft a daring and dynamic schedule designed to ship unforgettable moments yearly.
“It is a new daybreak for southern hemisphere rugby, and we will not look forward to our followers to be a part of this thrilling journey.
“The way forward for southern hemisphere rugby is brighter than ever. Our member unions have a proud document on the worldwide stage and SANZAAR believes this new calendar will help in strengthening this document, whereas delivering to the followers unparalleled pleasure and entry to the world’s finest rugby.”
SANZAAR CALENDAR 2026-2030
2026:
July: Nations Championship
August/September: Worldwide Tour Sequence
October: Bledisloe Cup
November: Nations Championship
2027:
July/August: The Rugby Championship
October/November: Males’s Rugby World Cup
2028:
July: Nations Championship
August/September: The Rugby Championship
November: Nations Championship
2029:
July: Lions tour to New Zealand && inbound excursions
August/September: The Rugby Championship
November: Northern Autumn Sequence
2030:
July: Nations Championship
August/September: Worldwide Tour Sequence
October: Bledisloe Cup
November: Nations Championship
