Rugby fans, brace yourselves! The iconic Rugby Championship is set to take a break in 2026, with a unique twist. While it's not a permanent goodbye, the tournament will be paused to make way for an epic showdown between rugby powerhouses. Get ready for a thrilling announcement: New Zealand will tour South Africa, the current world champions, in a series dubbed 'The Greatest Rivalry'. But that's not all! This strategic pause will also accommodate the inaugural Nations Championship, a global rugby extravaganza. In 2027, the Rugby Championship will return with a fresh start, kicking off in July and August, right before the Rugby World Cup in Australia. And here's the juicy part: Sanzaar has revealed plans for a multi-week international tour in 2030, pitting the Springboks against the All Blacks once again. So, mark your calendars for some intense rugby action! But here's the twist: World Rugby is launching the Nations Championship in 2025, featuring the top teams from the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship. It's a busy time for rugby enthusiasts! As Sanzaar CEO Brendan Morris says, 'We're shaping the future of southern hemisphere rugby.' So, get ready for some exciting changes and keep an eye out for more rugby magic!
