The Rugby Championship History: From Tri Nations To Now

The Rugby Championship, originally launched as the Tri Nations in 1996, is the Southern Hemisphere’s premier international rugby competition. Initially contested by New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, the tournament expanded in 2012 to include Argentina, marking a new era for the sport in the region.

From its inception through 2011, the Tri Nations saw New Zealand dominate, winning 10 titles in that span. South Africa and Australia each claimed the trophy three times before the rebrand. Argentina’s inclusion transformed the competition into a four-nation event, renamed The Rugby Championship.

Since 2012, the All Blacks have remained the benchmark, capturing nine Rugby Championship titles in 13 seasons. South Africa has won twice, Australia once, and Argentina is still chasing its first title.

The competition features three of the four nations who have won the Rugby World Cup (the original Tri Nations teams). 

Here’s a look at some records. 

All-Time Rugby Championship FinishesNew Zealand: 20 titles (11 Tri Nations, 9 Rugby Championships)South Africa: 5 titlesAustralia: 4 titlesArgentina: 0 titlesRugby Championship StatsAll-Time Points LeadersDan Carter (New Zealand) – 554Morné Steyn (South Africa) – 390Nicolás Sánchez (Argentina) – 346All-Time Try LeadersBryan Habana (South Africa) – 21Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) – 20Rieko Ioane (New Zealand) – 19All-Time Rugby Championship Record For Each NationNew Zealand: 139 matches, 103 wins, 2 draws, 34 losses; +1,562 points differentialSouth Africa: 135 matches, 61 wins, 5 draws, 69 losses; -97 points differentialAustralia: 139 matches, 56 wins, 6 draws, 77 losses; -581 points differentialArgentina: 67 matches, 12 wins, 3 draws, 52 losses; -885 points differentialWho Has Won the Most Rugby Championships

New Zealand is the undisputed leader with 20 titles since 1996, combining its Tri Nations and Rugby Championship successes. The All Blacks have also captured the Bledisloe Cup 23 times and the Freedom Cup 16 times, further cementing their dominance.

The Rugby Championship 2025 Schedule

Aug. 16

Aug. 23

Sept. 6

Sept. 13

Sept. 27

Oct. 4

How To Watch The Rugby Championship 2025

In the United States, rugby fans can watch 2025 The Rugby Championship on FloRugby and the FloSports App. 

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

The URC will stream all its matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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