In a development that could shake the very foundation of Southern Hemisphere rugby, SANZAAR is reportedly reviving talks to expand the Rugby Championship — and sources claim they’ve crafted a secret “stepping stone” strategy to bring Fiji and Japan into the fold, starting with their under-20 teams.
According to SA Rugby president Mark Alexander, who spoke candidly in a recent interview, the two powerhouse nations are very much back on the table for inclusion, despite their bids being flatly rejected after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Insiders say the rejection was only temporary, and that SANZAAR has been quietly working behind the scenes to phase them in.
The ‘Under-20 Trial’ That Could Change Everything
“Look, Fiji and Japan might be added,” Alexander told The Australian, before quickly adding that he didn’t want to “talk out of school” ahead of a crucial upcoming meeting. “The stepping stone for us, for Japan and Fiji, is to include their under-20 teams in the age-group competition, which is less onerous.”
That trial, sources close to the situation claim, is the key. If it succeeds, the door could swing wide open for full senior-level inclusion — potentially as early as 2030, when the current SANZAAR commitment with South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia expires.
“It’s one trip to Africa currently because we’ve got a tournament for three years,” Alexander added. “We play six teams in the competition, and that will be the start.”
Fiji and Japan both feature in the inaugural Nations Championship next month — a tournament that includes all Six Nations sides — making their eventual addition to the Rugby Championship feel less a matter of if and more when.
Fans and Insiders Buzzing: What’s Really Being Planned?
Reaction from industry insiders has been electric. One former SANZAAR executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, told us: “This isn’t just about adding two teams. It’s about reshaping the entire global rugby calendar. Japan and Fiji bring massive commercial and competitive value — they’re not just participants, they’re emerging gatekeepers.”
Still, not everyone is convinced. Critics point to the failed 2026 bid as evidence that SANZAAR is dragging its feet. But Alexander appeared to dismiss that notion, calling previous speculation about a Champions Cup-style reboot “a lot of hogwash.”
The four current members — South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia — have signed a commitment through 2030, meaning any expansion likely won’t happen overnight. But sources say the under-20 experiment could accelerate the timeline, with a phased senior rollout beginning as early as 2028.
“This new calendar for Southern Hemisphere rugby is all about bringing to the fans the highest level of world-class rugby,” SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris said in a statement late last year. “It’s a new dawn for southern hemisphere rugby, and we can’t wait for our fans to be part of this exciting journey.”
Whether that “new dawn” includes Japan and Fiji remains the burning question. One thing is clear: the stepping stone has been laid, and all eyes are now on SANZAAR’s next move.
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