The future of Southern Hemisphere rugby just got a major shake-up, but one glaring missed opportunity threatens to overshadow its bold new vision. SANZAAR has unveiled an ambitious international rugby calendar spanning 2026 to 2030, promising an 'exciting new era' for fans. But here's where it gets controversial: despite groundbreaking changes, the Rugby Championship still won't align with the Six Nations, leaving a fragmented global schedule that could have been unified. Let's dive into what this means for the sport and why New Zealand's hesitation might be the sticking point everyone's talking about.
Following the most fiercely contested Rugby Championship since Argentina joined in 2012, SANZAAR's member unions (Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa) have approved a revamped calendar. This includes multi-week tours, a full tournament before the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and the shelving of the competition in 2026 and 2030. For the first time, a complete Rugby Championship will precede a World Cup year, offering teams crucial preparation. The calendar also integrates World Rugby’s proposed Nations Championship in 2026, 2028, and 2030, pitting the 12 top rugby nations in a battle for hemispheric dominance.
But this is the part most people miss: the Bledisloe Cup will still be contested in 2026 and 2030, though the number of matches between Australia and New Zealand remains unclear. Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh advocates for a return to a best-of-three Test series, a format absent since 2021. He argues, 'Successful tournaments are often an odd number of matches, and three Tests make logical sense.' Yet, player welfare and scheduling challenges loom large.
SANZAAR’s announcement confirms the ‘Greatest Rivalry’ tour in 2026, with the All Blacks facing the Springboks in South Africa, followed by the Boks touring New Zealand in 2030. The Rugby Championship will resume in 2027 as a full tournament over July and August, a significant shift from previous World Cup years. SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris emphasized collaboration with fans and broadcasters to create an 'innovative calendar' that promises electrifying matches and fierce rivalries.
Now, the elephant in the room: the missed opportunity to align the Rugby Championship with the Six Nations. Reports suggest SANZAAR nations are keen, but New Zealand Rugby remains hesitant. Aligning these tournaments would create a near-global calendar, a dream since rugby turned professional. While the 2030 sign-off delays this possibility, a recent change of heart offers hope for earlier adjustments. According to Rapport, New Zealand might be 'convinced' if the Six Nations moves forward by two weeks.
Here’s the burning question: Is New Zealand’s reluctance a necessary caution or a missed chance for rugby’s global unity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. The future of Southern Hemisphere rugby is brighter than ever, but this one decision could define its legacy.
