The debate rages on about reshuffling the Rugby Championship to coincide with the Six Nations, a proposal that's drawing mixed feelings, especially from New Zealand. As the southern hemisphere's rugby chiefs carve out the future of their flagship tournament, the idea of playing in February and March from 2029 is gaining traction—despite New Zealand's initial hesitancy.
While Argentina, Australia, and South Africa seem to be on board with this bold calendar shift, New Zealand Rugby has shown some reluctance. The breakthrough might come from a reported compromise; moving the Six Nations forward by two weeks could be the olive branch that convinces New Zealand to join the bandwagon. A unified decision here could finally pave the way for a global rugby calendar, an ambition long cherished in rugby corridors.
"A global calendar has long been desired and this shift could significantly enhance the international rugby schedule,"
noted an insider.
The shifting sands of international rugby politics were evident at a recent high-level meeting in London, where the SANZAAR nation chiefs gathered during the climax of what's been one of the most thrilling Rugby Championships to date. South Africa clinched the trophy for the second year running after edging out Argentina in a nail-biter, a victory that underscored their dominance and the growing competitive spirit of the tournament.
Looking ahead, traditional tours are making a comeback with New Zealand set to travel to South Africa for a three-Test series in the coming years. Meanwhile, Phil Waugh, CEO of Rugby Australia, has pivoted from his earlier preference for a touring format to advocating for a balanced home-and-away match structure in 2028, aligning with what SA Rugby finds commercially viable.
The discussions also touched on maintaining a full schedule for the Rugby Championship in 2027, just before the World Cup, differing from the usual practice of shortening the tournament in World Cup years. This suggests a robust appetite for more high-stakes matches leading into the global showdown, potentially heightening the drama and fan engagement across rugby-loving nations.
As the landscape of international rugby continues to evolve, these discussions and decisions will shape the future of the sport, impacting strategies, calendars, and how the game is played across hemispheres.
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The debate rages on about reshuffling the Rugby Championship to coincide with the Six Nations, a proposal that's drawing mixed feelings, especially from New Zealand. As the southern hemisphere's rugby chiefs carve out the future of their flagship tournament, the idea of playing in February and March from 2029 is gaining traction—despite New Zealand's initial hesitancy.
While Argentina, Australia, and South Africa seem to be on board with this bold calendar shift, New Zealand Rugby has shown some reluctance. The breakthrough might come from a reported compromise; moving the Six Nations forward by two weeks could be the olive branch that convinces New Zealand to join the bandwagon. A unified decision here could finally pave the way for a global rugby calendar, an ambition long cherished in rugby corridors.
"A global calendar has long been desired and this shift could significantly enhance the international rugby schedule,"
noted an insider.The shifting sands of international rugby politics were evident at a recent high-level meeting in London, where the SANZAAR nation chiefs gathered during the climax of what's been one of the most thrilling Rugby Championships to date. South Africa clinched the trophy for the second year running after edging out Argentina in a nail-biter, a victory that underscored their dominance and the growing competitive spirit of the tournament.
Looking ahead, traditional tours are making a comeback with New Zealand set to travel to South Africa for a three-Test series in the coming years. Meanwhile, Phil Waugh, CEO of Rugby Australia, has pivoted from his earlier preference for a touring format to advocating for a balanced home-and-away match structure in 2028, aligning with what SA Rugby finds commercially viable.
The discussions also touched on maintaining a full schedule for the Rugby Championship in 2027, just before the World Cup, differing from the usual practice of shortening the tournament in World Cup years. This suggests a robust appetite for more high-stakes matches leading into the global showdown, potentially heightening the drama and fan engagement across rugby-loving nations.
As the landscape of international rugby continues to evolve, these discussions and decisions will shape the future of the sport, impacting strategies, calendars, and how the game is played across hemispheres.