Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just want to catch the next big match, knowing the rugby schedule is the first step. In 2025 the calendar is packed with international tests, club tournaments, and local derbies. Below you’ll find the main competitions, the dates you can’t miss, and some simple tricks to keep the info fresh in your mind.
The year kicks off with the Six Nations in February, running through March. England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales play weekly, so you can plan a match night every Saturday.
Down under, Super Rugby starts in early February and runs until June. Teams from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia face off, with the semifinals in early July and the final at the end of the month.
July brings the Rugby World Cup qualifiers for African nations. South Africa’s Springboks will host a few warm‑up games in August, leading into the historic Rugby World Cup in September and October. The opening match is on September 7, and the final lands on October 28.
- Official apps: Most unions have a free app that pushes fixture updates and live scores. Turn on notifications for your favorite team and you’ll never miss a change.
- Social media: Follow the verified accounts of the tournament, the clubs, and key journalists. A quick scroll in the morning will give you the day’s match list.
- Local radio and TV guides: In many African regions, community stations still announce match times the night before. Keep a notebook handy for those quick reminders.
- Google calendar: Add the whole season’s fixtures with a single click. You can set reminders 30 minutes before kickoff, so you’ll be ready with the snacks.
- Newsletters: Sign up for a weekly roundup from a trusted rugby site. They usually include a short preview, key players to watch, and any venue changes.
Now that you have the tools, let’s break down the schedule by region so you can focus on the games that matter most to you.
South Africa: The domestic Currie Cup runs from April to August, with finals in early September. Pay attention to the Durban matches on the second weekend of May – that’s when the Springboks often test new talent.
Europe: Apart from the Six Nations, the European Champions Cup starts in December and finishes in May. The quarter‑finals are always on a Saturday night, making them perfect for a weekend binge.
Southern Hemisphere: After Super Rugby, the Pacific Nations Cup fills the August‑September gap. Fiji and Samoa host games that attract a lively crowd and great atmosphere.
One practical tip: write down the three matches you must watch each week. By limiting yourself to a short list, you avoid the endless scrolling trap and actually enjoy the games.
Finally, remember that schedules can shift due to weather or TV deals. That’s why the notification tricks above are so handy – they alert you instantly if a kickoff moves from 7 pm to 5 pm.
With the 2025 rugby schedule in hand and a few simple habits, you’ll be ready for every try, tackle, and victory celebration. Grab your jersey, set those reminders, and enjoy the season!
The Hollywoodbets Sharks have published their complete 2025-2026 United Rugby Championship calendar, with kicks timed for U.S. viewers. The season opens against Glasgow Warriors on 26 September and includes key home games versus Scarlets and Saracens, plus a European clash with Toulouse. Travel will span four continents, testing the squad’s depth as they chase success in the expanded 16‑team competition.
