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The Rugby Championship celebrates the best of rugby union in the southern hemisphere. Contested annually by Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, it’s the southern hemisphere’s version of the Six Nations Championship and one of the best international rugby tournaments in the world.

Keen to follow this year’s The Rugby Championship? From information about the competition and news about the teams to upcoming matches and all the latest results, keep scrolling to find the latest coverage here at RugbyPass.

The Rugby Championship History

The Rugby Championship was originally known as the Tri Nations (1996-2011 and 2020) and the tournament was contested annually by Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Launched in 1996, this southern hemisphere rugby union championship was created as a direct equivalent to the Five Nations Championship, which was held in the northern hemisphere and contested by England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France.

Fast forward to 2012 and the competition expanded to include the four top national teams from the southern hemisphere. This was the year that Argentina joined the tournament and, with the addition of Los Pumas, it became known as The Rugby Championship.

The Rugby Championship Format

The opening tournament of 1996 was contested by New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, with each nation playing each other home and away. New Zealand dominated the inaugural year and won every game they played. Although New Zealand won many of the early tournaments, most editions of the Tri Nations were hugely competitive and each nation had won the tournament at least once by 2000.

The success of the Tri Nations saw the tournament expand in 2006, when it was decided that each nation would play the others three times instead of twice. Then, in 2009, it was announced that Argentina would enter the competition in 2012. Until that point, Argentina had been the only tier one nation in the world that didn’t face regular international competition. When Argentina entered The Rugby Championship, the tournament reverted to a double round robin. 

FAQs

What is The Rugby Championship?

The Rugby Championship is an annual tournament contested by the four highest ranked nations from the southern hemisphere: Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. This tournament is often regarded as the southern hemisphere’s equivalent of the Six Nations.

When was the first edition of The Rugby Championship?

The first edition of The Rugby Championship was held in 1996, when the tournament was known as the Tri Nations. Australia, New Zealand and South Africa competed for the title. New Zealand won the inaugural competition after winning all four of their matches.

How many teams compete in The Rugby Championship?

Four teams compete in The Rugby Championship. The tournament was known as the Tri Nations between 1996 and 2011, when it was contested by Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The competition expanded to include Argentina in 2012. At this point, it was rebranded as The Rugby Championship.

Which teams compete in The Rugby Championship?

Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are the teams that compete in The Rugby Championship. These are the four top ranked nations in the southern hemisphere and the tournament features some of the world’s finest rugby talents.

Which side holds the record for the most The Rugby Championship titles?

New Zealand holds the record for the most The Rugby Championship titles. The All Blacks have won 19 tournaments, including 11 Tri Nations (1996-2011 and 2020) and eight Rugby Championships (2012-2019, 2021-present).

What’s the format of The Rugby Championship?

The format of The Rugby Championship is structured on a home-and-away basis. Each team faces the others twice and plays a total of six matches: three at home and three away. The winner is determined via a points system, with each team awarded four points for winning a match and two points for a draw.

When did the Tri Nations become known as The Rugby Championship?

The Tri Nations became known as The Rugby Championship in 2012, when Argentina joined the competition.

When did Argentina join The Rugby Championship?

Argentina joined The Rugby Championship in 2012. Prior to this, Argentina was the only tier one nation that didn’t compete in an international tournament.

Who competes for the Bledisloe Cup?

Australia and New Zealand compete for the Bledisloe Cup. The cup was first awarded in 1931 and New Zealand has raised the cup more times than Australia.

Who competes for the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate?

Australia and South Africa compete for the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate. The two teams first contested the trophy in 2000 and Australia has won the most titles to date.

Who competes for the Freedom Cup?

New Zealand and South Africa compete for the Freedom Cup. The Freedom Cup was first awarded in 2004 and New Zealand has won the most titles to date.

Who competes for the Puma Trophy?

Argentina and Australia compete for the Puma Trophy. The two teams compete against one another to win the trophy, which is in the shape of a bronze puma. The Puma Trophy was first introduced in 2000 and Australia has won the most titles.

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