Overview
- SANZAAR confirmed the Rugby Championship will not be staged in 2026, will return as a full July–August tournament in 2027–2029, and will pause again in 2030.
- World Rugby’s 12‑team Nations Championship launches in 2026 in the July and November windows and will also run in 2028 and 2030.
- New Zealand’s 2026 tour of South Africa was announced as an eight‑match schedule from August 7 to September 12 branded “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.”
- The All Blacks will face the Springboks in four Tests with venues confirmed for Ellis Park, Cape Town Stadium and FNB Stadium, plus a fourth Test at a neutral international venue to be confirmed.
- Midweek fixtures against the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions were added to the tour, while Australia and Argentina must arrange alternative 2026 internationals outside a Rugby Championship format.