SANZAAR has officially announced the schedule for the 2023 Rugby Championship, which promises to be an exciting event for rugby fans worldwide. This year’s tournament will include an additional round of fixtures, adding more thrill and suspense to the competition.
Tournament Format
The Rugby World Cup year will see a one-round, home or away, six-match event taking place in July. Moreover, two extra matches, a second Bledisloe Cup game, and another South Africa versus Argentina encounter, will be held in early August, just before the Rugby World Cup in France that starts in September.
Venue Challenges
Accommodating the tournament schedule has been challenging, mainly due to the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand during July and August. This has posed significant hurdles, primarily regarding venue availability. However, the organizers have managed to find solutions to these logistical challenges.
Match Venues
The New Zealand versus South Africa match will be played at Mt. Smart Stadium in Auckland. Meanwhile, Australia will host its home games at CommBank Stadium in Sydney and the iconic MCG in Melbourne. South Africa’s home Rugby Championship matches will be played in Pretoria and Johannesburg, while Argentina’s home turf will be Mendoza.
Match Schedule
The first round of matches is scheduled for Saturday, July 8th, with South Africa taking on Australia at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and Argentina facing New Zealand in Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza. The second round will take place on Saturday, July 15th, featuring New Zealand against South Africa at Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland, and Australia versus Argentina at CommBank Stadium, Sydney.
Additional Fixtures
Rugby enthusiasts can look forward to the third round on Saturday, July 29th, with Australia playing New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup’s first match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. In addition, South Africa will clash with Argentina at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The additional fixtures scheduled for Saturday, August 5th, include the second Bledisloe Cup match between New Zealand and Australia at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, and Argentina battling South Africa at Estadion Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires.
The Spirit of the Championship
The Rugby Championship celebrates athleticism, international competition, and camaraderie among the participating nations. The 2023 tournament’s revised format and scheduling challenges serve as a testament to the sport’s adaptability and commitment to providing fans with thrilling rugby encounters.
As the countdown to the 2023 Rugby Championship begins, rugby fans can anticipate a memorable tournament showcasing the skill, passion, and determination of the world’s finest rugby teams. With a mix of historical rivalries and emerging talent, this championship promises to deliver unforgettable moments and inspire a new generation of rugby players and fans alike.
