The Rugby Championship

The southern hemisphere’s answer to the Six Nations – the Rugby Championship. Previously known as the Tri Nations, the competition is now competed by New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina. A gruelling tournament that sees teams travel for miles to compete in different climates and altitudes throughout September.

Using correspondents based in the southern hemisphere, TalkingRugbyUnion bring previews and reviews, together with leading-edge discussion on the issues facing the teams and the tournament.

 
Anton Lienert-Brown is set to be sidelined for six months

Anton Lienert-Brown to miss Rugby Championship games against South Africa due to injury

New Zealand centre Lienert-Brown is expected to be out of action for at least six months following a surgery on his shoulder.

South Africa will play six games at home

South Africa confirm home schedule for 2022

South Africa have unveiled their home schedule for 2022 that will include a home series against Wales.

South Africa have 91.13 rating points

South Africa reclaim number one position in World Rugby Rankings

South Africa have reclaimed their number one position in the World Rugby Rankings following their recent win over New Zealand.

 
South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber

Jacques Nienaber praises South Africa for thrilling win over New Zealand

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber credited his players for the thrilling win over New Zealand in the final round of the Rugby Championship.

Samu Kerevi was one of the try-scorer for Australia

Match Centre: Argentina 17-32 Australia

Andrew Kellaway scored a hat-trick as Australia finished the Rugby Championship on a high with a 32-17 win at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.

Mario Ledesma will have to deal with the absence of six Argentina players

'The rules were clear' - Mario Ledesma after six Argentina players were expelled from Rugby Championship

Argentina head coach Mario Mario Ledesma reacted to the expulsion of six Argentina players and two staff members from the final round of the Rugby Championship game against Australia to be played on Saturday.

Ardie Savea is wary of South Africa fightback

Ardie Savea wants New Zealand to 'adapt' better against South Africa

New Zealand skipper Ardie Savea believes his team will adapt better as they face the Springboks in the final round of the Rugby Championship on Saturday.

Australia head coach Dave Rennie

Greg Holmes returns to Australia matchday squad for Argentina game

Australia head coach Dave Rennie has recalled Sean McMahon and Greg Holmes in the matchday squad for the final round game against Argentina Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.

Brad Weber returns at scrum-half for New Zealand

New Zealand make changes for final round clash against South Africa

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has made changes to the line up for the sixth and final round of the Rugby Championship game against South Africa to be played on Saturday.

Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma will have to deal with the absence of six players

Six players and two staff members from Argentina punished for breaching health orders

SANZAAR has confirmed that six players from Argentina and two staff members have been expelled from the Rugby Championship following a breach in health orders.

Rassie Erasmus said South Africa will be open to criticism

Rassie Erasmus has no complaints over negative feedback on South Africa's defeat to New Zealand

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said the Springboks will be open to criticism following their narrow defeat to New Zealand in the fifth round of the Rugby Championship.

Handre Pollard wants South Africa to finish Rugby Championship on a high

Handre Pollard believes South Africa are the best in aerial contest

South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard believes his side is the best in the world when it comes to aerial contest.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber

South Africa change two for final round clash against New Zealand

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has made two changes for the final round of the Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand.

Cheslin Kolbe missed the last three games for South Africa

Cheslin Kolbe set to return for South Africa for final round game against All Blacks

South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe is expected to make a comeback in the final round clash of the Rugby Championship against New Zealand to be played at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.

Mario Ledesma said Argentina felt ‘disrespected’ by a photo shoot that took place ahead of fifth round of Rugby Championship

SANZAAR issue apology to Argentina for 'error' in photoshoot during Rugby Championship

SANZAAR and Rugby Australia have jointly issued an apology to Argentina following the captains photoshoot that happened ahead of the fifth round of the Rugby Championship.

South Africa suffered their third successive win in the Rugby Championship

Jacques Nienaber feels South Africa lacked composure following defeat to All Blacks

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber feels his side 'lacked composure' following the defeat to New Zealand in the fifth round of the Rugby Championship at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Reece Hodge scored the opening try for Australia

Match Centre: Australia 27-8 Argentina

Australia successfully managed to overcome Argentina with a 27-8 margin in the fifth round of the Rugby Championship in Townsville on Saturday.

Jordie Barrett kicked 14 points for New Zealand

Match Centre: New Zealand 19-17 South Africa

Jordie Barrett kicked the decisive penalty goal in the closing stage as New Zealand edged out South Africa 19-17 in the fifth round in Townsville to claim the Rugby Championship title.

Quade Cooper made a return to Australia squad after four years

Michael Hooper hails Quade Cooper's impact

Australia skipper Michael Hooper has lavished praise on veteran playmaker Quade Cooper following his stunning comeback in back to back games against South Africa.

Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma

Argentina name unchanged side for Australia clash

Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma has named an unchanged line up for the fifth round of the Rugby Championship clash against Australia to be played on Saturday.

James O'Connor makes a comeback from injury

James O'Connor named at bench for Australia's encounter against Argentina

James O'Connor makes a much awaited return from injury as he was named on the Australian bench for the fifth round of the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina to be played at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Beauden Barrett will start at fly-half for New Zealand

New Zealand name Beauden Barrett at fly-half for Springboks clash

New Zealand have made eight changes to the starting line-up for the fifth round of the Rugby Championship clash against South Africa to be played at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Siya Kolisi will be hoping for South Africa to return back to winning ways

Kwagga Smith, Lood de Jager return to South Africa line-up for All Blacks clash

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has made two changes to the starting line-up for the fifth round of the Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand.

Jasper Wiese was yellow-carded during the game against Australia

South Africa's Jasper Wiese cited for foul play

South Africa number 8 Jasper Wiese will face an independent disciplinary hearing following his yellow card incident in the recently concluded Rugby Championship fixture against Australia.

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster

New Zealand reclaim number one ranking

The All Blacks have officially claimed the number one position in the World Rugby Rankings following the recently concluded fourth round in the Rugby Championship.

South Africa have lost back to back games against Australia in the Rugby Championship

'We sincerely apologise' - Jacques Nienaber after South Africa's defeat to Australia

South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber expressed disappointment over his team's 30-17 defeat to Australia in the recently concluded Rugby Championship game in Brisbane.

TJ Perenara was one of the try-scorer for New Zealand

Match Centre: Argentina 13-36 New Zealand

New Zealand extended their dominance in the ongoing Rugby Championship as they defeated Argentina 36-13 in the fourth round of the Rugby Championship in Brisbane on Saturday.

Australia head coach Dave Rennie

Match Centre: Australia 30-17 South Africa

Len Ikitau and Marika Koroibete scored doubles as Australia went on to complete a 30-17 bonus point victory over South Africa in the fourth round of the Rugby Championship at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

Michael Hooper will lead Australia for the 60th time

Michael Hooper wary of South African fightback

Australia skipper Michael Hooper is expecting a strong backlash from South Africa as the two teams lock horns with each other in the fourth round of the Rugby Championship in Brisbane on Saturday.

Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma

Santiago Carreras named at fly-half for Argentina

Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma has named Santiago Carreras at fly-half for the Rugby Championship rematch against New Zealand to be played in Brisbane on Saturday.

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster

New Zealand ring the changes for game against Argentina

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has made 12 changes to the starting line-up for the upcoming Rugby Championship clash against Argentina to be played at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

Nic White starts at scrum-half for Australia

Nic White returns for Australia for rematch against South Africa

Nic White has made a return to the starting line-up of Australia for the fourth round of the Rugby Championship clash against South Africa to be played at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

Trevor Nykane starts for South Africa

South Africa make three changes for Wallabies clash

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has made three changes to the starting line up for the fourth round of the Rugby Championship game against Australia to be played at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

Aaron Smith did not travel with New Zealand squad to Queensland

New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith to miss remainder of Rugby Championship

New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith will not be linking up with the All Blacks squad for the remainder of the Rugby Championship competition.

Jacques Nienaber will have to deal with the absence of Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg

Springboks lock Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg withdraws from Rugby Championship due to personal reasons

South Africa lock Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg will miss the remainder of the Rugby Championship competition due to personal reasons.

Handre Pollard had a tough outing against Australia in Gold Coast

South Africa yet to make decision on fly-half for Brisbane game against Australia

South Africa assistant coach Deon Davids said the team management will discuss over the team selection as they line up to face Australia in the fourth round of the Rugby Championship in Brisbane on Saturday.

Michael Hooper led Australia to their first win in the Rugby Championship

Australia climb to fifth place in the latest World Rugby Rankings

Australia have made a climb to the fifth place in the World Rugby Rankings following their victory over South Africa in the third round of the Rugby Championship in Gold Coast last weekend.

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber expressed disappointment in defeat to Australia

'Poor discipline cost us' - South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber blamed his side's ill discipline for the defeat to Australia in the third round of the Rugby Championship in Gold Coast on Sunday.

Dave Rennie is relieved with Australia's win over South Africa

'Cooper's experience made a difference' - Dave Rennie

Australia head coach Dave Rennie lavished praise on veteran playmaker Quade Cooper following win over South Africa in the third round of the Rugby Championship in Gold Coast on Sunday.

Quade Cooper contributed with 23 points

Match Centre: South Africa 26-28 Australia

Quade Cooper kicked the decisive penalty goal in the added minutes as Australia snatched a thrilling 28-26 win over South Africa in the third round of the Rugby Championship in Gold Coast on Sunday.

Luke Jacobson scored two tries for New Zealand

Match Centre: New Zealand 39-0 Argentina

New Zealand came up with a five-try performance as they blanked Argentina 39-0 in the third round of the Rugby Championship at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.

Quade Cooper returned to Australia line-up after four years

South Africa wary of Quade Cooper factor - Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick

South Africa assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said they are wary of the Australian veteran playmaker Quade Cooper as the two teams lock horns with each other in the third round of the Rugby Championship on the Gold Coast on Sunday.

Anton Lienert-Brown has been sidelined with an injury

Hamstring injury rules Anton Lienert-Brown out of New Zealand's clash against Argentina

New Zealand centre Anton Lienert-Brown has been ruled out of the third round of the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina following a hamstring injury.

Sam Whitelock led New Zealand to back to back wins over Australia in the opening two Bledisloe Cup games

New Zealand to be without Sam Whitelock for remainder of Rugby Championship

New Zealand will be without the services of Sam Whitelock for the remainder of the Rugby Championship to be played in Queensland.

Sean McMahon has played 26 Tests for Australia between 2014 and 2017

Sean McMahon set to join Australia squad

Australia flanker Sean McMahon is set to join the Wallabies Rugby Championship squad next week ahead of the fourth round.

Nicolas Sanchez starred in Argentina's last win over New Zealand

Nicolas Sanchez returns at fly-half for Argentina against New Zealand

New Zealand head coach Mario Ledesma has recalled fly-half Nicolas Sanchez in the starting line-up for the upcoming round of the Rugby Championship to be played at Gold Coast on Sunday.

Brodie Retallick will captain New Zealand for the first time

Brodie Retallick to lead New Zealand against Argentina

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has confirmed Brodie Retallick will be leading the side in the third round of the Rugby Championship to be played at CBUS Super Stadium on Sunday.

Quade Cooper last played for Australia in 2017

Quade Cooper returns at fly-half for Australia's clash against South Africa

Australia head coach Dave Rennie has named Quade Cooper in the starting line up for the third round of the Rugby Championship clash against South Africa to be played at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg: London Irish's new signing is ready for the bright lights of the Premiership

Benhard Janse van Rensburg: London Irish's new signing is ready for the bright lights of the Premiership

London Irish certainly had a positive campaign last time out and with new recruits like Benhard Janse van Rensburg arriving in Brentford, the Exiles return with a squad which should excite.

New Zealand have won both their matches in the Rugby Championship until now

New Zealand excited about Argentina challenge - Brad Mooar

New Zealand assistant coach Brad Mooar said the team is excited about the prospect of facing Argentina in the third and fourth rounds of the Rugby Championship.

Duane Vermeulen last played for South Africa during their victorious 2019 World Cup campaign

Duane Vermeulen and Faf de Klerk return for South Africa for clash against Australia

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has made seven changes to the starting line-up as they face Australia in the third round of the Rugby Championship to be played at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.

Jordie Barrett was red-carded during the Perth game against Australia

Jordie Barrett escapes sanction after red card decision overturned

New Zealand fullback Jordie Barrett will be available for the remainder of the Rugby Championship tournament after his red-card sanction was dismissed.

Jordie Barrett was red-carded during the Perth game against Australia

'We believe we do have a defence' - Scott McLeod on Jordie Barrett's red-card

New Zealand defence coach Scott McLeod said fullback Jordie Barrett has complete backing of the team management following his red-card incident in the second round of the Rugby Championship against Australia in Perth.

Ian Foster reacts to Jordie Barrett's red-card

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster backs rule to replace red-carded players

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has come in support of the new rule following Jordie Barrett's red-card incident in the recently concluded Rugby Championship game against Australia in Perth on Sunday.

Beauden Barrett will start at fly-half for New Zealand

Barrett brothers to be part of All Blacks starting line-up for Perth game

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has named all three Barrett brothers in the starting line-up for the third and final Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Perth on Sunday.

Samu Kerevi returns at inside centre for Australia

Samu Kerevi returns to Australia line-up for second round of Rugby Championship game against All Blacks

Australia head coach Dave Rennie has recalled Samu Kerevi to the starting line-up for the second round of the Rugby Championship to be played in Perth on Sunday.

Quade Cooper (left) returned to Australia squad for Rugby Championship

Quade Cooper lauds New Zealand's strength in depth ahead of Perth clash

Australia fly-half Quade Cooper lauded New Zealand for their bench strength ahead of the second round clash in the Rugby Championship between the two sides on 5th September.

Duane Vermeulen was part of South Africa's victorious World Cup campaign in 2019

Duane Vermeulen excited to return for Springboks duty after missing out on series win against Lions

South Africa international Duane Vermeulen is excited about his return to national duty for the remainder of the Rugby Championship tournament that will be played in Queensland.

A staff member in the South Africa camp was reported false positive

False Covid-19 positive reported in Springboks camp

South Africa have survived a Covid-19 scare following their landing in Queensland for the remainder of the Rugby Championship as a staff member returned false positive.

Australia head coach Dave Rennie

Dave Rennie hints at changes for the third Bledisloe Cup game in Perth

Australia head coach Dave Rennie has hinted at changes in the matchday squad as they look to lock horns with the All Blacks in the second round of the Rugby Championship scheduled to be played in Perth.

Quade Cooper has played 70 Tests for Australia

Dave Rennie heaps praise on Quade Cooper

Australia head coach Dave Rennie had high praises for veteran fly-half Quade Cooper as he aims to make a return to the matchday squad for the third and final Bledisloe Cup game against New Zealand in Perth.

South Africa have won both their games in the Rugby Championship until now

South Africa, Argentina land in Brisbane for remainder of Rugby Championship

South Africa and Argentina have made a landing in Brisbane on Friday for the remainder of the Rugby Championship tournament.

Ardie Savea has played 52 Tests for New Zealand

Ardie Savea named New Zealand's game ahead of Perth game against Australia

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has named Ardie Savea the captain ahead of the third Bledisloe Cup game against Australia in Perth on 5th September.

 
 
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