2026 Rugby Predictions: All Blacks, Fiji, and More!

Experts forecast seismic shifts and jaw-dropping moments in the world of rugby for the upcoming year.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:52am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting a rugby match or competition, with overlapping planes and angles that deconstruct the action into an abstract, cubist composition.A cubist interpretation of the shifting power dynamics and unpredictable outcomes that could define the 2026 rugby season.Chicago Today

With the All Blacks parting ways with coach Scott Robertson, the rugby world is buzzing with speculation about the ripple effects that could redefine the global landscape. This article makes 15 bold predictions for the 2026 season, including the All Blacks stunning the Springboks, Fiji shocking Scotland, Australia's women's sevens team dominating the SVNS Series, and more.

Why it matters

These predictions highlight the potential for major shifts in power and the emergence of new rugby powerhouses in 2026. If accurate, they could reshape the narrative heading into the next Rugby World Cup and dramatically alter the global rugby hierarchy.

The details

The article covers a wide range of predictions, from the All Blacks upsetting the Springboks and Fiji beating Scotland, to Australia's women's sevens team winning the World Championship and the Queensland Reds finally breaking their curse to reach the Super Rugby semi-finals. It also speculates on potential coaching changes, including the possibility of Joe Schmidt joining the All Blacks, and individual player breakthroughs like Cam Roigard joining the world's elite and Bernard Foley leading Kubota Spears to glory in Japan.

  • The All Blacks will face the Springboks in a tour match on August 22, 2026 in Johannesburg.
  • Fiji will play Scotland in the Nations Championship in July 2026.
  • Australia's women's sevens team will compete in the SVNS Series World Championship in 2026.
  • The Queensland Reds will compete in the 2026 Super Rugby season.
  • The inaugural Nations Championship will take place in 2026.

The players

Scott Robertson

Former head coach of the All Blacks who recently parted ways with the team.

Isabella Nasser

Star player on Australia's women's sevens team.

Les Kiss

Head coach of the Queensland Reds.

Joe Schmidt

Former head coach who could join the All Blacks in an advisory role.

Codie Taylor

All Blacks player who could replace Scott Barrett as captain.

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The takeaway

The 2026 rugby season is shaping up to be a year of significant change and unpredictability, with the potential for new teams and players to rise to the top and challenge the established order. These bold predictions suggest the global rugby landscape could look very different by the time the next World Cup rolls around.