Hold on to your hats, rugby fans! 2026 is shaping up to be a year of absolute shockers, upsets, and downright unbelievable moments. From coaching shakeups to underdog victories, get ready for a wild ride. But here's the question that's on everyone's mind: can anyone really predict the future? Well, I'm going to give it my best shot with 15 bold predictions for the 2026 rugby season. Buckle up!
1. Coaching Chaos: All Blacks to Stun the World (Again!)
The news is already out: Scott "Razor" Robertson is out as All Blacks coach, even before he officially started. This is unprecedented. New Zealand Rugby is scrambling to find a replacement with only 20 months until the Rugby World Cup in Australia. It’s a seismic shift that sends ripples throughout the entire rugby world. This unexpected change sets the stage for a year where anything can happen. Who will step up? Will they be able to unite the team in time for the World Cup? Only time will tell.
2. A Rugby Revival: The Return of the Touring All Blacks
Get ready for a throwback! The All Blacks are heading to South Africa for a good old-fashioned tour, facing off against the nation’s URC teams and the Springboks in a thrilling Test series. This is where it gets interesting... With Robertson gone, a new coach will be at the helm, tasked with achieving something the All Blacks haven't managed since August 2022: a victory on South African soil. Can they do it?
3. The Greatest Rivalry: All Blacks to Draw First Blood…But Not the War
Speaking of South Africa, the Springboks are the obvious favorites, riding high after a record-breaking 43-10 win over the All Blacks in Wellington. But I'm calling it now: the All Blacks will pull off a stunning upset in the first Test at Johannesburg’s Emirates Airline Park on August 22nd. It'll be a nail-biter, a true display of grit and determination. And this is the part most people miss... While the All Blacks win that first game, the series will ultimately end in a 2-2 draw. This outcome sends a powerful message to the rest of the rugby world just a year out from the World Cup, particularly as these two teams are on track to meet in the quarter finals.
4. Flying Fijians Soar: Upset Alert in the Nations Championship!
Don't underestimate Fiji! They're going to make some serious noise in the Nations Championship. I'm predicting they'll win at least two of their three home matches, including a major upset against either England or Scotland. Remember Fiji's historic win over England at Twickenham before the 2023 World Cup? I think they can repeat that magic, especially against Scotland. Winning in Fiji is notoriously difficult, and the Flying Fijians will capitalize on their home advantage.
5. Aussie Domination: Australia to Conquer the SVNS Series
The Australian women's sevens team is on fire! After their dominant performance at the SVNS Cape Town, where Isabella Nasser earned Player of the Final, they are poised for greatness. They've already proven they can beat the New Zealanders, and with stars like Nasser and the Levi sisters leading the charge, I'm predicting they'll win both the league and the overall SVNS Series crown.
6. Reds Rising: Queensland to Break the Quarter-Final Curse
The Queensland Reds have been stuck in a quarter-final rut for years, consistently falling to New Zealand opposition. But that's about to change! With Les Kiss taking the reins for one last shot at Super Rugby glory before he becomes Wallabies Head Coach, the Reds will finally make it to the semi-finals. Fraser McReight's captaincy, combined with a talented squad and the return of Carter Gordon, will propel them to success. They'll be the top Aussie team to watch.
7. Coaching Carousel: Joe Schmidt to Make a Shocking All Blacks Return?
Les Kiss is set to take over from Joe Schmidt as Wallabies Head Coach after the first three rounds of the Nations Championship, but what's next for Schmidt? Here's a controversial take: could he be heading back to the All Blacks in an advisory role? Jamie Joseph is the fan favorite to become the next All Blacks Head Coach, but imagine Schmidt joining forces with a team of world-renowned coaches to help lead the All Blacks... They could become World Cup favorites overnight!
8. A New Leader Emerges: Codie Taylor to Captain the All Blacks
It's time for a change in leadership. While Scott Barrett is a great player, the next All Blacks coach might want to usher in a new era by naming a new captain. My pick? Codie Taylor. He's got the experience, the respect of his teammates, and the leadership qualities needed to guide the All Blacks. While Ardie Savea is a popular choice, Taylor's captaincy could be the x-factor that makes all the difference.
9. Boks on Top: South Africa to Claim the Inaugural Nations Championship
The Nations Championship is here, bringing together the best teams from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. And I'm predicting South Africa will win it all. They'll dominate their home matches in July and then prove their strength on the road in November. With Twickenham becoming a second home for the Springboks, they'll be unstoppable in the final.
10. Black Ferns Bounce Back: Dominance in the Pacific Four Series
After a disappointing World Cup exit, the Black Ferns are ready to reclaim their dominance. Under new Head Coach Whitney Hansen, they'll be seeking revenge against Canada and will assert their dominance in the Pacific Four Series. Expect a strong showing from the women in black.
11. Roigard Rockets: Cam Roigard to Become a Top-Five Player
Keep an eye on Cam Roigard! The All Blacks scrum-half is on the rise, and I'm predicting he'll become one of the top five players in the world after the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour and the Nations Championship. He might even challenge Antoine Dupont for a spot in World Rugby's Dream Team. It's a changing of the guard moment!
12. Wallabies Fly-Half Frenzy: A New Number 10 to Emerge
The Wallabies fly-half situation is a mess. With Carter Gordon's brief stint in the NRL and a host of other contenders vying for the number 10 jersey, it's anyone's game. I'm predicting that a fly-half who didn't represent the Wallabies last year will break through and make their mark in the Test arena this year, potentially off the bench.
13. Foley's Flourish: Bernard Foley to Lead Kubota Spears to Glory
Speaking of fly-halves, Bernard Foley is tearing it up in Japan Rugby League One. He's leading the Kubota Spears to the title, building on their strong performance from last season. Foley's experience and leadership will be the key to their success.
14. Eden Park's Inevitable Fall: The Fortress Will Crumble
Eden Park has been an impenetrable fortress for the All Blacks for decades. But all streaks eventually come to an end. If the All Blacks survive Ireland, look out for Les Kiss' Wallabies. They'll be hungry for an upset and ready to make history.
15. Ioane's European Triumph: Rieko Ioane to Win the Champions Cup
Last year, I predicted Jordie Barrett would win the Champions Cup with Leinster. While they fell short, this year I'm doubling down on a Leinster victory, but this time with Rieko Ioane playing a key role. He's a game-changer, and his addition will propel Leinster to the top of Europe.
So, there you have it: my 15 bold predictions for the 2026 rugby season. Do you agree? Disagree? Think I'm completely off my rocker? Let me know in the comments! Which prediction do you think is the most likely to come true, and which one is the wildest long shot? Let's get the debate started!
