SANZAAR RELEASES FIXTURES FOR NEXT FIVE YEARS

There’s been some speculation about whether Sanzaar will continue with the Rugby Championship over the last few months. Still, those rumours have been put to bed after the joint venture between the South African, New Zealand, Australian and Argentinian rugby unions released its international rugby calendar for the next five years.

Sanzaar confirmed that the tournament will be played in 2027, 2028 and 2029.

One of the most discussed items on the agenda was the confirmation that a full Rugby Championship will be played next year, despite it being a World Cup year.

The calendar also confirmed that New Zealand will tour South Africa in 2026, while New Zealand will host the South Africans in 2030.

A newly proposed Nations Championship will be held in 2026, 2028 and 2030. This new concept will see the 12 biggest rugby-playing nations in the world playing against each other. Each nation will play against all the other nations with both home and away games.

The Nations Championship will consist of two rounds of fixtures in July and November, every two years.

Other tournaments and fixtures confirmed on the calendar include the 2027 World Cup as well as the 2029 Women’s World Cup, both to be held in Australia.

During the next five years, the 2029 British & Irish Lions tour will take place in New Zealand.

Sanzaar CEO Brendan Morris shared his excitement about the next five years.

“This new calendar for southern hemisphere rugby is all about bringing to the fans the highest level of world-class rugby and action. Indeed, after listening to what supporters, broadcasters and our stakeholders want, we’ve worked with the unions to craft a bold and dynamic schedule designed to deliver unforgettable moments every year.”

Image credit: Rugby World