The Rugby Championship, Rugby’s most elite tournament, including South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. It won’t be taking place in 2026. This decision comes as the sport faces scheduling challenges due to the launch of World Rugby’s new Nations Championship and New Zealand’s tour of South Africa that year. In the past, the Rugby Championship has been held from August to October. Without it in 2026, that represents a deep change to the rugby calendar.
Although this withdrawal is a blow, the Rugby Championship will continue to feature on the global calendar for at least three years. With a fuller version returning in 2027, performed entirely during the July-August time frame. This event will be happening right ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which Australia will host. At the moment that would be South Africa, who have won the last two tournaments’ editions.
The Impact of New Competitions
In 2026, they will miss the Rugby Championship. This announcement comes just as the Nations Championship – an exhilarating new annual, invite-only, 12-team event scheduled to begin in July and November – was being unveiled. This tournament will feature teams from the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship, in addition to two other invited teams. The Nations Championship would offer a new, more egalitarian take on the international game and a better chance at meaningful competition.
Commenting on the impact of this new shorter format on existing tournaments, Brendan Morris, CEO of SANZAAR noted that…
“Looking ahead, our joint-venture is committed to driving the next chapter of Southern Hemisphere rugby,” – Brendan Morris
The Nations Championship takes a courageous step to reshape competitive rugby. For decades, fans, broadcasters, and other stakeholders have been clamoring for this change.
Future of The Rugby Championship
2026 won’t feature any Rugby Championship contests, but the competition is forecast to be back at full strength in 2027. The new scheduling is intended to better prepare the teams that will be competing in the World Cup. In other previous World Cup years, the Rugby Championship was cut short. This time around, it will return to its original big format, giving teams ample time to hone their skills and form ahead of the crémé de la crémé of rugby competitions.
Together, these changes represent a bold yet appropriate approach to developing the game for the 21st century, while always putting the interests of fans first.
“After listening to what supporters, broadcasters and our stakeholders want, we’ve worked with the unions to craft a bold and dynamic schedule.” – Brendan Morris
In 2026, New Zealand’s tour of South Africa promises to be a highlight as it will feature multiple Tests between two of rugby’s major powers. Such a clash — dubbed the Bledisloe of the North — would give fans a fascinating experience even with The Rugby Championship missing that year.
A Showdown on the Horizon
South Africa and New Zealand are famous for their rugby history and rivalry. Of course their future games will be a spectacle for everyone, not just those in attendance.
Both South Africa and New Zealand have a rich history of rivalry in rugby, and their forthcoming matches will likely captivate audiences worldwide.
