Beginning in 2022, the Bledisloe Cup, which was played on a three-Test basis, was reduced to two-Tests, a mutual decision by Rugby Australia (RA) and New Zealand Rugby (NZR).[3][4] These Test matches, with the exception of Rugby World Cup (RWC) years, would make up two of the fixtures in The Rugby Championship. In 2025 it was announced that the Rugby Championship format would be restructured from its annual format in 2026 and 2030[5][6] with New Zealand and South Africa confirming reciprocal tours for those years.[7] Rugby Australia confirmed the Wallabies' 2026 schedule, which would still include their traditional Rugby Championship opponents and a tour of Argentina.[8] The prospect of cross-SANZAAR tours as a replacement for the Rugby Championship between 2027 and 2028, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald,[9] was scrapped after lobbying efforts from RA CEO Phil Waugh at a SANZAAR meeting in London. This meant The Rugby Championship would remain unchanged for 2027, 2028, and 2029.[10]
↑Cully, Paul (21 September 2025). "Rugby Championship to be turfed under massive SANZAAR tours shake-up". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 22 September 2025. That two-game format is likely to continue, although there is also the enticing prospect of a three-Test tour in 2028: either the Wallabies heading to New Zealand, or the All Blacks coming to Australia.
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