Over the past week (August 9–16, 2026), several significant events have unfolded in the world of rugby:
New Zealand’s Tour of South Africa:
The All Blacks embarked on their first tour of South Africa in 30 years, marking the revival of “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.” The tour includes eight matches over six weeks, featuring four tour games and four Tests. The All Blacks secured victories in their initial tour matches:
- August 7: Defeated the DHL Stormers 38-21 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
- August 11: Overwhelmed the Hollywoodbets Sharks 54-0 at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban.
The tour is set to conclude with a final Test in Baltimore, USA, on September 12. (techradar.com)
Australia–Japan Test Series:
Australia and Japan are engaged in a two-test series:
- August 8: The first test took place at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiōsaka.
- August 15: The second test is scheduled at North Queensland Stadium in Townsville.
This series marks the first time Japan has played Australia on Australian soil since the 1987 Rugby World Cup. (en.wikipedia.org)
USA Club Rugby 7s National Championships:
The USA Club Rugby 7s National Championships were held from August 8 to 10, 2026. This annual event featured top club teams competing for the national title. The championships are part of a structured plan for 2026–2028, aiming to establish consistent and transparent competition frameworks across all divisions. (usaclub.rugby)
Upcoming Events:
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2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship: Scheduled to be hosted by Georgia, this expanded 16-team tournament will feature teams from around the world competing for the junior world title. (en.wikipedia.org)
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2026 WXV Global Series and Challenger: Set to commence in September 2026, the WXV Global Series will involve the top 12 women’s national teams in home-and-away fixtures, while the WXV Global Series Challenger will feature six emerging nations competing at a single host venue in Hong Kong. (en.wikipedia.org)
These events highlight the dynamic and evolving landscape of rugby, with both international and domestic competitions contributing to the sport’s growth and popularity.
Highlights:
- How to watch Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: FREE streams, TV channels, schedule for New Zealand’s 2026 tour of South Africa, Published on Thursday, August 13
