The Rugby Championship, in its current format, is reportedly set for a dramatic shake-up, with the tournament unlikely to return until at least 2029. Instead, Southern Hemisphere powerhouses are exploring a return to extended international tours, reviving a traditional approach to Test rugby.
The news comes during one of the tightest Rugby Championships in years. Just two points separate table leaders Australia from bottom-placed Argentina, while all four nations Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina have each recorded two wins from four matches.
Tours to Replace Championship Fixtures
According to a report from the Sydney Morning Herald, next year could mark the start of this new era, beginning with the All Blacks’ proposed tour of South Africa. The plan includes matches against all four United Rugby Championship (URC) teams, followed by a three-Test series against the Springboks. A potential fourth Test between the sides in Europe is also being discussed as part of the 2026 end-of-year schedule.
The shift is expected to continue into 2028, when all four SANZAAR nations will participate in extended tours instead of playing the traditional Rugby Championship. This effectively means that the full six-game tournament will only return in 2029, with 2027 already confirmed to feature a shortened edition due to the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Wallabies’ Double Tour Plans
As part of the 2028 schedule, the Wallabies are expected to embark on two three-Test series tours. One is likely to be against arch-rivals New Zealand, with the other lined up against either South Africa or Argentina.
While the Rugby Championship will be sidelined, traditional rivalries are set to remain intact. The Bledisloe Cup will still be contested in 2026, with a two-Test format split between Australia and New Zealand. Reports also suggest Rugby Australia is pushing for an ANZAC Day Test against the All Blacks, which would add further significance to the rivalry.
A Return to Tradition
If confirmed, the overhaul signals a return to the old touring traditions of rugby, replacing the current Championship structure with longer, more intense series between Southern Hemisphere nations. For fans, this could reignite the drama of historic three-Test battles while ensuring high-stakes contests remain central to the calendar.
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