Australia will host seven rugby Tests in 2026, including matches against three northern hemisphere teams, maintaining the same number of fixtures as in 2023. This announcement comes as the Rugby Championship prepares for its final full iteration until 2027. The Wallabies face unique challenges as they navigate the implications of the All Blacks’ historic three-Test tour of South Africa, which has left them without traditional competitive fixtures.
With the launch of the World Rugby Nations Championship set for next year, the landscape of international rugby is shifting. This new tournament will feature teams from the Six Nations, including England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and France, competing against SANZAAR nations such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, as well as Japan and Fiji. The competition will unfold over two three-week tours, with the southern hemisphere teams, including Japan, playing host in July before embarking on northern tours in November.
Wallabies’ 2026 Schedule and International Landscape
According to ESPN, the Wallabies will host France, Italy, and Ireland during the inaugural Nations Championship in July 2026. The tournament will be held biennially, alternating years with Rugby World Cups and British & Irish Lions tours, indicating a significant change in the traditional rugby calendar. The agreement between South Africa and New Zealand to revert to a traditional touring format means that a full six-round Rugby Championship will not occur until 2027.
In addition to the Nations Championship matches, Australia is expected to hold four more Tests, including at least one match against the All Blacks as part of the Bledisloe Cup. The Rugby Australia (RA) leadership, led by CEO Phil Waugh, has expressed a desire to maintain competitive fixtures, particularly with South Africa’s Rugby Union interested in hosting a truncated Rugby Championship or a one-off Test match against the Wallabies. This may pave the way for additional Bledisloe Cup matches, and a series against Fiji is also under consideration, following their previous encounter in Newcastle.
Impact of Changes on Rugby Australia and SANZAAR
The changing rugby landscape raises questions about the future role of SANZAAR, the governing body that oversees competitions involving Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina. The recent decision by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) to split from SANZAAR and return to a traditional tour model has caused concerns, particularly for Argentina. Reports indicate that this shift has further weakened Argentina’s position within the rugby hierarchy.
Waugh emphasized the importance of maintaining meaningful Test matches and the appeal of traditional touring concepts, stating, “The Nelson Mandela Plate, given the strength of South Africa, is becoming more and more relevant.” He acknowledged the increasing competitiveness of Argentina, a recent Rugby World Cup semi-finalist, and reiterated the significance of preserving high-quality matches for rugby fans.
As the rugby community prepares for these upcoming changes, the anticipation surrounding the Wallabies’ 2026 schedule is palpable. The evolving dynamics of international rugby will be crucial for maintaining fan engagement and fostering competitive spirit among the nations involved.
