SANZAAR has launched its international rugby calendar for the next five years, marking a bold new era for southern hemisphere rugby. The schedule is designed to thrill fans, broadcasters, and the Member Unions—Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
After more than 30 years of delivering world-class rugby and dominating the global stage—with southern hemisphere teams winning nine of the last ten Rugby World Cups—SANZAAR is raising the bar even higher.
Key highlights:
The Rugby Championship (TRC): Scheduled for 2027, 2028, and 2029. For the first time, a full TRC tournament will take place during a Rugby World Cup year (2027), giving teams top-level preparation.
Multi-week international tours: Slated for August-September in non-Rugby Championship years (2026 & 2030).
Proposed Nations Championship: Set for 2026, 2028, and 2030. The top twelve rugby nations will compete across July and November fixtures to determine global supremacy.
Major events: The 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup and 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, plus the 2029 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.
SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris said, “This calendar is about giving fans the highest level of world-class rugby. After listening to supporters, broadcasters, and stakeholders, we’ve worked with our Unions to craft a bold, dynamic schedule that delivers unforgettable moments every year.”
“Whether at the stadium or watching from home, fans can expect electrifying matches, fierce rivalries, and world-class experiences. It’s a new dawn for southern hemisphere rugby.”
Detailed schedules and further information will be released by SANZAAR and the Member Unions in the coming weeks.
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