Get ready for a rugby revolution! SANZAAR has just dropped a game-changing calendar for 2026-2030, promising a future filled with thrilling matches and unprecedented excitement. But here's where it gets controversial: for the first time ever, a full Rugby Championship (TRC) will take place in a Rugby World Cup year—2027. Will this bold move pay off as ideal preparation for the sport's pinnacle event, or will it stretch teams too thin? Only time will tell.
This new schedule isn’t just about the Rugby Championship, though. It’s a comprehensive overhaul designed to meet the evolving needs of SANZAAR’s Member Unions. In years without the TRC (2026 and 2030), international multi-week tours will fill the August-September window—a fresh addition to the calendar. Plus, the proposed Nations Championship, featuring the top 12 men’s teams globally, will take center stage in 2026, 2028, and 2030, split across July and November rounds every two years.
And this is the part most people miss: SANZAAR’s vision extends beyond the men’s game. The calendar includes the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup and the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, both hosted in Australia, as well as the highly anticipated 2029 British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand—a rematch 12 years in the making after the iconic 2017 series draw with the All Blacks.
SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris emphasized the collaborative effort behind this ambitious plan: ‘By working closely with our Unions, broadcasters, and commercial partners, we’ve created a calendar that sets new standards for rugby in the southern hemisphere.’ But what does this mean for fans? According to Morris, it’s all about delivering world-class action and unforgettable moments, whether you’re in the stadium or watching from home.
Here’s the bold claim: SANZAAR believes this calendar will not only strengthen the southern hemisphere’s dominance on the international stage but also provide fans with unparalleled access to the best rugby in the world. But is this schedule too ambitious? Could it lead to player burnout or dilute the quality of play? We want to hear from you—do you think this new era of rugby will live up to the hype? Let us know in the comments!
From electrifying matches to fierce rivalries, SANZAAR’s 2026-2030 calendar promises a new dawn for rugby. As Morris puts it, ‘The future of southern hemisphere rugby is brighter than ever.’ Strap in, rugby fans—this journey is just beginning.
