Rugby championship Secured Through 2030 with New Global Tournament Format
A deal guaranteeing the future of the Rugby Championship through 2029 has been reached, resolving months of uncertainty surrounding the competition’s structure amid ambitious touring plans for South Africa and New Zealand. The agreement, finalized on Thursday, ensures the continuation of the southern hemisphere’s premier rugby tournament while also paving the way for a new international competition involving teams from both hemispheres.
For months, the future of the Rugby Championship was in question, especially given the planned tours between South Africa and New zealand – billed as “the Greatest Rugby Rivalry” – in 2026 and 2030. These tours initially threatened to sideline Australia and Argentina. However, SANZAAR, the governing body for the tournament, has confirmed that all 12 matches will be played in advance of the global tournament, which will be hosted in Australia that year.
Beyond the Rugby Championship, the calendar includes the debut of the Nations championship in July 2025, and recurring fixtures in the November Test window.This expanded tournament will feature the four SANZAAR nations – South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina – alongside Fiji and Japan, competing against the Six Nations teams of the northern hemisphere: England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, and Italy. The culmination of the Nations Championship will be a final match at Twickenham, determining the dominant rugby nation between the hemispheres.
“Looking ahead, our joint-venture is committed to driving the next chapter of southern hemisphere rugby,” a senior SANZAAR official stated. “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.”
The official further emphasized the fan-centric approach to the new schedule, stating, “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.”
The sentiment was echoed by other stakeholders,with one analyst noting,”It’s a new dawn for southern hemisphere rugby,and we can’t wait for our fans to be part of this exciting journey.” SANZAAR believes the revised calendar will strengthen the international standing of its member unions and provide fans with “unparalleled excitement and access to the world’s best rugby.”
SANZAAR CALENDAR 2026-2030
- 2026:
- July: Nations Championship
- August/September: International Tour Series
- October: Bledisloe Cup
- November: Nations Championship
- 2027:
- July/august: The Rugby Championship
- October/November: Men’s rugby World Cup
- 2028:
- July: Nations Championship
- August/September: The Rugby Championship
- November: Nations Championship
- 2029:
- July: Lions tour to New Zealand & inbound tours
- august/September: The Rugby Championship
- November: Northern Autumn Series
- 2030:
- July: nations Championship
- August/September: International Tour Series
- October: Bledisloe Cup
- November: Nations Championship
The future of southern hemisphere rugby appears brighter than ever, poised for a new era of competition and fan engagement.
