Competition History
Rugby Championship History
From the Tri Nations era to the modern Rugby Championship — the southern hemisphere’s annual test rugby battle.
1996–2011, 2020
Tri Nations
The original southern hemisphere championship between New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
2012–Present
Rugby Championship
Argentina joined in 2012, expanding the tournament into the modern four-nation Rugby Championship.
Timeline
1996
Tri Nations Founded
New Zealand, Australia and South Africa launch the Tri Nations.
2000
Puma Trophy / Mandela Plate Era
Several major rivalry trophies begin around the turn of the century.
2004
Freedom Cup Begins
New Zealand and South Africa begin contesting the Freedom Cup.
2012
Argentina Join
Argentina enter the tournament, creating The Rugby Championship.
2020
Tri Nations Return
A special pandemic-era Tri Nations is played without South Africa.
Recent Champions
2025
South Africa
South Africa2024South Africa
South Africa2023
New Zealand
New Zealand2022New Zealand
New Zealand2021New Zealand
New Zealand2020New Zealand
New Zealand