Rugby fans, brace yourselves for a major shake-up in the sport's calendar! The Rugby Championship, a staple of the southern hemisphere's rugby scene, will take a hiatus in 2026, leaving many wondering what's next for this iconic tournament. But here's the twist: this break isn't just about skipping a season. It's strategically designed to make way for something even more thrilling—a high-stakes tour of world champions South Africa by New Zealand, dubbed 'the Greatest Rivalry.' And this is the part most people miss: it's also to accommodate World Rugby's groundbreaking Nations Championship, set to debut in 2026.
Traditionally held between August and October, the Rugby Championship features rugby powerhouses South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina, with the Springboks currently holding the title. However, in 2026, the tournament will step aside to allow for this historic tour and the new global competition. The Nations Championship, taking place in the July and November Test windows, will bring together the world's leading teams—the Six Nations sides, their Rugby Championship counterparts, and two additional invited teams—in a format that promises to redefine international rugby.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this pause in the Rugby Championship a necessary evolution for the sport, or does it risk diluting the tradition and intensity of one of rugby's most cherished tournaments? Some fans argue that the break could diminish the annual rivalry, while others see it as an opportunity to elevate rugby's global appeal. What do you think?
Looking ahead, the Rugby Championship will return in 2027, slotted earlier in July and August, just before the Rugby World Cup in Australia. Sanzaar, the tournament's organiser, has confirmed that the competition will also run in 2028 and 2029, before another pause in 2030 for another international multi-week tour, likely featuring the Springboks and All Blacks once again.
Sanzaar CEO Brendan Morris emphasized the organisation's forward-thinking approach: 'Looking ahead, our joint venture is committed to driving the next chapter of southern hemisphere rugby. After listening to what supporters, broadcasters, and our stakeholders want, we've worked with the unions to craft a bold and dynamic schedule.'
As the rugby world adapts to these changes, one thing is clear: the sport is evolving, and these shifts are designed to keep fans on the edge of their seats. But the question remains: Will these changes unite or divide the rugby community? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
