Hold on to your hats, rugby fans! 2026 is shaping up to be a year of absolute shockers, game-changing upsets, and maybe even a few controversies that will leave you speechless. Buckle up as we dive headfirst into 15 bold predictions that could redefine the rugby landscape. 2025 was exciting, but you ain't seen nothing yet!
Even before Super Rugby Pacific kicks off, the rugby world is buzzing with unexpected news. The All Blacks and coach Scott Robertson parted ways, sending shockwaves through the Southern Hemisphere. It's a seismic event that sets the stage for an explosive 2026, and a frantic search for a new head coach begins ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
2025 gave us the All Blacks' record defeat to the Springboks and the British & Irish Lions falling to the Wallabies. But with 2025 now in the history books, fans can get excited for what lies ahead.
With ‘Razor’ Robertson's departure, all bets are off for 2026! So, for the fourth year running, I'm trusting my gut and throwing out 15 bold predictions for the club and international seasons. Let's dive in:
1. All Blacks to Stun Springboks in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry
Get ready for a throwback! Old-school rugby tours are making a comeback. The All Blacks are heading to South Africa later this year, facing off against the nation's URC teams and the Springboks in a highly anticipated Test series.
Someone new will be at the helm for New Zealand, given Robertson's exit. The All Blacks will be desperate for their first win in South Africa since August 13, 2022, when they triumphed 35-22 in Johannesburg.
South Africa will be the favorites, and rightfully so. They're the two-time defending world champions, playing on home turf, and fresh off a historic 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington last year.
Despite all signs pointing to a Springboks series win... the All Blacks will shock their arch-rivals in the first Test, at Johannesburg’s Emirates Airline Park on August 22!
Ultimately, the series will end in a 2-all draw. This would be a massive statement from the New Zealanders a year out from the Rugby World Cup, with these two teams potentially facing off in the quarter-finals in Australia.
2. Fiji to Stun Scotland in Nations Championship
Fiji is poised to win at least two of their three home matches during the Nations Championship. The Flying Fijians have the firepower to beat Wales on July 4 and pull off an upset against either England or Scotland.
Remember when Fiji beat England ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium? England claimed a 20-point win at the same venue last year.
But here's the prediction: Fiji will upset Scotland. They beat Scotland 29-14 in Suva last year, even though some key players like Finn Russell were away with the British & Irish Lions in Australia.
Fiji will repeat that feat in July! Winning in Fiji is no easy feat, as the Drua have proven in Super Rugby. Soon, some of the world's best will experience the same challenge in the Test arena.
3. Australia to Cap Off Dominant SVNS Series with World Championship Glory
Isabella Nasser was named Player of the Final after Australia beat New Zealand 26-12 to win the SVNS Cape Town title last December. The Australians were dominant, leading 26-0 early in the second half.
Australia had some big wins against the New Zealanders in SVNS Series warm-up matches during the Ignite7 tournament in Tauranga, but the Black Ferns Sevens won the first stop of the season at Dubai’s The Sevens Stadium.
With another four SVNS 1 legs and the three-event World Championship still to play, Australia looks like the favorite to win the top prize. Nasser, the Levi sisters, and Faith Nathan will lead the way as the Aussies win the league and the overall SVNS Series crown.
4. Reds to End Long-Running Hoodoo and Surge into Super Rugby Semis
For the Queensland Reds, it's been the same story for four seasons. From 2022 to 2025, they've been knocked out by New Zealand opposition in the quarter-finals. But that streak will end this season!
With Les Kiss at the helm for one last shot at glory before taking over from Joe Schmidt as Wallabies Head Coach, the Reds will reach the semi-finals. Fraser McReight has been named captain, leading a star-studded side.
Carter Gordon is back from the NRL, challenging Tom Lynagh, Ben Volavola, and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips for the starting spot. The forwards pack a punch, and the Reds have some of the most exciting backs in Super Rugby.
The Reds will be the pick of the Aussie sides.
5. Joe Schmidt to Leave Wallabies for All Blacks
Joe Schmidt's time as Wallabies Head Coach is almost up, with Les Kiss set to take over after the first three rounds of the Nations Championship. Schmidt hasn't publicly decided what's next. Could a reunion with the All Blacks be on the cards?
Jamie Joseph seems to be the fan-favorite front-runner to become the next All Blacks Head Coach. Tony Brown's name has been mentioned by fans who want to see the current Springboks assistant return to New Zealand.
Here's a bold prediction: Schmidt could join the All Blacks in an advisory role if they form an Avengers-esque cast of world-renowned coaches. This could make the All Blacks World Cup favorites before the tournament in Australia.
6. Codie Taylor to be Named New All Blacks Captain
With about 20 months until the Rugby World Cup, it would be a bold move for the All Blacks to change their captain. But the next coach might do just that, ushering in a new era.
If that happens, Codie Taylor will take over from Scott Barrett. Jordie Barrett would be the most likely backline contender, but the All Blacks usually go with a forward. Tupou Vaa’i is a long-term option, but Taylor is the answer leading into the 2027 World Cup.
Taylor has been the All Blacks' vice-captain and has leadership experience with the Crusaders. While Ardie Savea is a fan favorite for the role, Taylor's captaincy could be a game-changer for the All Blacks.
7. South Africa to Win Inaugural Nations Championship
SANZAAR and Six Nations have launched the Nations Championship ahead of its debut in 2026. There are six teams from the Northern Hemisphere and six from the South.
The six Southern Hemisphere sides will host three matches during the July international window before visiting three destinations in November. Those results will determine the match-ups for the Finals Weekend at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
South Africa hosts England, Scotland, and Wales to start their quest for another world title and visits Italy, France, and Ireland later in 2026. The Boks beat France by 15 at Stade de France last year and claimed a drought-breaking win over Ireland in Dublin.
Twickenham has become a second home for the Springboks, having won their second consecutive Rugby Championship there in 2025. If they make the decider, the Boks will win the inaugural Nations Championship.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks host France and Ireland in July. Those are matches the All Blacks could lose, especially with a new coach. South Africa will progress from the Southern Hemisphere pool, while Ireland or France progress from the north.
8. Black Ferns to Make Pacific Four Series Statement
Whitney Hansen has taken over from Allan Bunting as the new Black Ferns Head Coach. Hansen steps into the role after the Black Ferns lost to Canada in the semi-finals of the 2025 Rugby World Cup at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.
The Black Ferns will face their World Cup rivals in the Pacific Four Series in 2026, as well as the USA and Australia’s Wallaroos. New Zealand will get revenge against Canada, with Hansen guiding the women in black to a Pacific Four Series title.
9. Cam Roigard to Reach Elite Heights in RugbyPass Top 100
For the All Blacks to succeed during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, Cam Roigard needs to lead the way as one of the world’s best. The scrum-half is coming off a career-best season, but needs to reach even greater heights in 2026.
Roigard made seven international appearances last year but was still rewarded in RugbyPass’ annual Top 100. The scrum-half moved up more than 50 spots into 21st overall, and that will continue this year.
After Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry and the Nations Championship, Roigard will be considered one of the world’s top five players. He may even earn a spot in World Rugby’s Dream Team ahead of Antoine Dupont, in what could be a changing of the guard moment.
10. More Uncertainty for Wallabies as New Fly-Half Enters the Fold
Carter Gordon was the first-choice fly-half at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but he left the sport shortly after, pursuing a deal in the NRL. Gordon played one NRL match for the Gold Coast Titans before returning to rugby last year.
Gordon was fast-tracked into the Wallabies squad for the Spring Tour, making one appearance against Italy. He was impressive despite the defeat, scoring a try and leading the team with purpose.
The Queensland Reds have assembled quite the cast for the 2026 season, with Gordon joining three other contenders for the No. 10 jersey. Wallaby Tom Lynagh, Australia A representative Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, and Flying Fijian Ben Volavola are other options.
Any of those four could potentially represent the Wallabies this year, with Volavola becoming eligible from August. There are a handful of other contenders in Australia and abroad challenging for a spot in the national squad.
Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, James O’Connor, Noah Lolesio, and Lynagh all played at fly-half for the Wallabies in 2026. Bernard Foley is turning heads as the top point-scorer in Japan Rugby League One after five rounds.
Foley could add to his 77 Test caps, Volavola may become a Wallaby, Max Burey has the potential to build off a standout Super Rugby AUS season, and Jack Bowen will have a chance to impress with the NSW Waratahs this season.
It seems the fly-half list will grow in 2026. One of those fly-halves who didn’t represent the Wallabies last year will find themselves in the Test arena, possibly in the starting lineup, but more likely off the bench.
11. Bernard Foley to Star as Kubota Spears Go One Better in JRLO
Bernard Foley will lead the way for Kubota Spears during their run to the Japan Rugby League One division one title in 2025/26. Foley is the top point-scorer with 80 after five rounds, and the Spears are currently unbeaten.
Kubota fell to Richie Mo’unga’s Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in the final last season. Their 79-20 win over Tokyo Sungoliath was a statement.
12. New Zealand’s Eden Park Fortress to Finally Fall
The All Blacks will play two matches at Eden Park this year. Ireland returns to New Zealand for the first time since 2022 when they face the All Blacks on July 18, and the Wallabies will chase history on October 10.
Eden Park has been a fortress for the All Blacks for decades, and it seems unlikely that it will ever fall. But all good things must end. If the All Blacks keep the streak alive against Ireland, then beware the Wallabies.
New Zealand would’ve returned home after Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, turning their focus to Les Kiss’ Wallabies. Kiss’ Wallabies will be favored to beat the Brave Blossoms in two Tests, and will be licking their lips at the thought of an Eden Park upset.
13. Rieko Ioane to Become a European Champion
Last year, I predicted Jordie Barrett to win the Champions Cup with Leinster. It seemed likely, but Leinster were stunned by Henry Pollock’s Northampton Saints in the semi-finals.
Leinster is currently top of Pool 3 in Europe’s top-flight competition, boasting an unbeaten record from four matches. With wins over Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, La Rochelle, and Bayonne, Leinster are where they want to be.
All Blacks utility Rieko Ioane joined the club after the November internationals, showing signs of promise. Leinster are one of the favorites in the Champions Cup, and they’ll get the job done this time.
14. Damian McKenzie to Lead Chiefs to Another Super Rugby Decider
The Chiefs have made the last three Super Rugby finals but have no trophies. Richie Mo’unga led the Crusaders to another title in 2023, before Harry Plummer starred during the Blues’ run to glory the next year.
Damian McKenzie stood out during the Chiefs’ run to the final last season, but there was déjà vu, with the Crusaders reclaiming their throne. Looking ahead to 2026, the Chiefs have a squad capable of another title push.
Kyren Taumoefolau is a marquee addition, along with former Wallabies center Lalakai Foketi. They have arguably the best backrow in the competition, with Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, and Luke Jacobson ready to make their mark.
The Chiefs will get to the final this season, with the Hurricanes looming as a potential opponent, having welcomed back Jordie Barrett and added Warner Dearns. Queensland and the Crusaders will be in the mix, potentially falling in the semis.
15. New England Free Jacks to Win Fourth-Consecutive ‘Ship
The New England Free Jacks have already made history in Major League Rugby, becoming the first franchise to win three titles in a row. It’s bold to suggest they can extend their championship-winning run, but they’ve got the roster capable of more history.
Long-time Utah Warriors captain Baily Wilson has joined brother Mitch at Fort Quincy, with New England adding some big-name recruits for 2026. Former Maori All Blacks lock Jacob Norris is another notable addition.
There are multiple recruits out of New Zealand’s NPC, including Hawke’s Bay center Riley Higgins, who has since signed with Edinburgh on a short-term deal. Max Lehmann, a product of the NRL system in Australia, has also signed on.
The Free Jacks have added exciting talent to a roster that knows how to win championships, so there’s no reason to say they can’t win a fourth-consecutive title in 2026. That said, the Chicago Hounds and the Seattle Seawolves have also secured notable signings.
Anthem Rugby Carolina will likely secure their first win in franchise history, Old Glory DC are not to be underestimated, and California Legion boast a star-studded coaching staff. It’s a new era for MLR in 2026, and every team is capable of something special.
So, there you have it! Fifteen bold predictions for the 2026 rugby season. What do you think? Are these predictions spot on, or am I completely off my rocker? Which prediction is the most likely to come true, and which is the biggest long shot? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below – I’m eager to hear what you think!
