Get ready for a thrilling new era in southern hemisphere rugby! SANZAAR has just unveiled an exciting international rugby calendar for the years 2026 to 2030, promising an action-packed journey that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
This calendar marks a significant evolution in the sport, reflecting the needs of SANZAAR's member unions, broadcasters, and, most importantly, the passionate fans. With a rich history spanning three decades, SANZAAR has consistently delivered some of the most captivating rugby moments, keeping the southern hemisphere teams at the pinnacle of world rankings and claiming an impressive nine out of ten Rugby World Cup titles.
The centerpiece of this new calendar is The Rugby Championship (TRC), the premier tournament of the southern hemisphere, which will be played in 2027, 2028, and 2029. But here's where it gets even more exciting: for the first time, the full TRC tournament will be held in a Rugby World Cup year (2027), providing the SANZAAR nations with an exceptional opportunity to prepare and showcase their skills leading up to the prestigious tournament.
In addition to the TRC, SANZAAR has introduced a fresh twist to its calendar with international multi-week tours during the August-September window in non-TRC years (2026 and 2030). These tours will further enhance the rugby experience and provide a unique platform for players to showcase their talents on the global stage.
And this is the part most people miss: the proposed Nations Championship, set to be played in 2026, 2028, and 2030, will bring together the twelve biggest rugby nations in the world. Imagine witnessing the best players in the sport go head-to-head across two rounds of fixtures every two years, determining the dominant nation and the balance of power between rugby's hemispheres. It's a true test of skill and strategy, and a testament to the global appeal of the sport.
Within this five-year cycle, the Southern Hemisphere will also host the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup and the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup in Australia, along with the highly anticipated 2029 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. These events will further elevate the profile of rugby and showcase the region's passion and talent to the world.
SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris emphasized the joint-venture's commitment to driving the next chapter of southern hemisphere rugby. By collaborating closely with unions, broadcasters, and commercial partners, they've crafted an innovative calendar that promises thrilling rugby experiences and sets new standards for the sport.
"This new calendar is all about delivering the highest level of world-class rugby to our fans. We've listened to the desires of supporters, broadcasters, and stakeholders, and worked with the unions to create a bold and dynamic schedule that will leave fans with unforgettable memories every year," Morris said.
Whether you're at the ground or watching from home, get ready for an era of intense matches, fierce rivalries, and world-class rugby experiences that celebrate the passion of our supporters. It's a new dawn for southern hemisphere rugby, and SANZAAR is eager to embark on this exciting journey with its dedicated fans.
"The future of southern hemisphere rugby shines brighter than ever. Our member unions have an impressive international record, and we believe this new calendar will further strengthen that record while providing fans with unparalleled excitement and access to the world's best rugby," Morris added.
Stay tuned as SANZAAR and the National Unions release further details and schedules in the coming days and weeks, as they finalize their plans for this extraordinary rugby adventure.
