SANZAAR axes Rugby Championship in favour of incoming tours for 2026 and 2030

The move makes space for the slated "Greatest Rivalry Tour" between the Springboks and All Blacks. In addition, it allows time in the calendar for the new Nations Championship.

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.

It will see The Rugby Championship, the Southern Hemisphere's pre-eminent tournament, played in 2027, 2028 and 2029. Importantly, it will also deliver for the first time a full Rugby Championship tournament in a Rugby World Cup year (2027), allowing the SANZAAR nations an excellent preparation and run-in to the tournament.

A new addition to the SANZAAR calendar sees various international multi-week tours played in the August-September window in non-Rugby Championship years (2026 and 2030).

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.

Adding to the world-class international rugby action in the Southern Hemisphere within this five-year cycle will be the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup and the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup in Australia, and the 2029 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. 

"Looking ahead, our joint-venture is committed to driving the next chapter of southern hemisphere rugby," said SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris 

"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.”