Fantasy Rugby Championship Set to Launch Across Four-Nation Tournament

A new digital engagement platform, the Fantasy Rugby Championship, has been officially announced ahead of the 2025 Rugby Championship. The initiative is backed by New Zealand Rugby in collaboration with Rugby Australia, Unión Argentina de Rugby, SA Rugby, and SANZAAR.

The launch follows the relative success of Fantasy Super Rugby Pacific, which drew over 70,000 players during its inaugural season. The new fantasy competition aims to replicate and expand on that engagement across the international series featuring New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina.

New Zealand Rugby’s General Manager of Brand and Marketing, Kerry McKenzie, noted the commercial rationale behind the expansion:

“The growth in Fantasy engagement during Super Rugby Pacific highlighted the potential for deeper fan connection. Extending that model to The Rugby Championship allows us to build continuity and interest across competitions.”

Rugby Australia’s Director of Commercial and Marketing, James Durbin, positioned the platform as a tool for strengthening fan investment:

“Fantasy games enhance the live-viewing experience. Fans begin tracking player performance more closely, which drives longer-term interest in the sport.”

In Argentina, where rugby maintains strong cultural relevance, the Unión Argentina de Rugby sees the game as a vehicle for grassroots and digital growth.

“This is a chance to deepen engagement with both traditional and emerging fans,” said Commercial Director Miguel Dupont. “It helps expand our reach beyond match days.”

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer also welcomed the initiative, suggesting it adds value to the broader fan ecosystem.

“Fantasy sports are now part of how fans engage. It’s encouraging to see innovation being applied at the international level.”

Global pre-registration began on June 10, with the official platform going live in August ahead of the tournament’s start. The format will allow users to select a fantasy squad from players across the four participating nations, echoing the structure of the Super Rugby Pacific version.

For rights holders and unions, the Fantasy Rugby Championship is expected to serve as a digital engagement tool that complements broadcast and sponsorship strategies, helping to maintain fan attention across the multi-week tournament.

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