Since 1996, the Rugby Championship has seen the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest rugby titans go head-to-head in a dramatic round robin competition, with the international rivalries and regional bragging rights all comparable to those exhibited in the Northern Hemisphere’s Six Nations Championship. Initially comprised of just Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, the Rugby Championship expanded in 2012 to include Argentina, creating the 4-team format which is still seen today. All teams usually play against the other 3 teams twice each, in a mixture of home and away fixtures, however, with the 2023 Rugby World Cup starting on 8 September, the 2023 Rugby Championship will feature an abridged format, with all teams playing against each opponent just once.
The competition will start on 8 July, with South Africa hosting Australia in Pretoria, and New Zealand travelling to Mendoza to play against Argentina. A week later, on 15 July, South Africa will face the All Blacks in Auckland, whilst Australia will host Argentina in Sydney; the final round of fixtures will take place on 29 July, with Australia and New Zealand contesting the first leg of the 2023 Bledisloe Cup in Melbourne, and South Africa and Argentina going toe-to-toe in Johannesburg.
Just like the upcoming Rugby World Cup, this year’s Rugby Championship is expected to be one of the most competitive yet. Both Australia and South Africa may fancy their chances, as both sides are at home for 2 out of 3 matches, whilst Argentina and New Zealand will each carry home advantage into 1 of their fixtures only. The All Blacks, however, can never be discounted: Ian Foster’s squad will be looking to hit their stride just in time for the Rugby World Cup, and an away match against Australia in Melbourne could prove decisive in determining the final standings, and the destiny of the Bledisloe Cup.
Tickets have gone on general sale for all 6 Rugby Championship matches, and whilst official ticket allocations have sold-out for both Argentina versus New Zealand and New Zealand versus South Africa, resale tickets are available for both fixtures.
For more information on the Rugby Championship, including ticket prices, click here.