Rugby enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to as March 2026 unfolds, with significant developments on both the international and domestic fronts. Renowned coach Scott Robertson is set to lead the formidable Barbarians side this summer, promising an entertaining spectacle for fans. Meanwhile, Major League Rugby (MLR) continues its growth trajectory with an expanded partnership with ESPN, and international teams are gearing up for crucial fixtures.
Scott Robertson Takes the Helm for the Barbarians
Scott Robertson, celebrated for his expansive and attack-minded coaching philosophy with the Crusaders, has been confirmed to coach the Barbarians this summer. This highly anticipated two-match tour will see the invitational side face elite international competition. The Barbarians will first travel to South Africa to take on the reigning world champions, the Springboks, on June 20th in Gqeberha. This fixture presents a stern test and an opportunity for Robertson’s team to showcase their creative flair against a physically dominant opponent. Following the South African encounter, the Barbarians will return to the UK for a match against Wales at Twickenham on June 27th. This game is part of a larger event that will also feature the women’s Barbarians team, underscoring the growing profile of the sport.
Major League Rugby and ESPN Expand Partnership
Major League Rugby (MLR) is set to enhance its broadcast coverage through an expanded partnership with ESPN. The league will launch “Sunday Night Rugby,” a new programming block designed to give rugby a primetime presence on Sundays during the spring. This initiative aims to capitalize on ESPN’s extensive reach to further popularize rugby in the United States, especially in the lead-up to the 2031 Rugby World Cup. All MLR matches will be available for streaming on ESPN+, with select games also airing on ESPN2. The elevated broadcast will include pre- and post-match shows featuring expert analysis from former players and coaches, aiming to replicate the success of similar sports studio shows. This development comes at a crucial time for MLR, which has seen some franchises withdraw but remains committed to growing the sport domestically.
International Rugby Scene Heats Up
The international rugby calendar is shaping up with several key events and matchups. Chile’s Men’s test team is preparing for a return to Italy in March 2026 for a fixture against Italy ‘A’. This follows their previous encounter in Genoa, where Italy secured a 34-19 victory. Chile’s schedule for 2026 also includes matches for the World Rugby Nations Cup.
In the HSBC SVNS Series, the recent tournament in Montevideo saw the USA women’s sevens squad claim back-to-back titles, securing their spot in the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series. Argentina’s women’s team also achieved similar success, winning the HSBC SVNS 2 titles. Qualifiers for the season-ending HSBC SVNS World Championship Series included Argentina, South Africa, Spain, Germany, and the USA.
Meanwhile, former England captain Martin Johnson has suggested that England’s management should consider resting key players this summer to better prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Johnson, who himself benefited from a similar approach before the 2003 World Cup, believes that targeted rest and training blocks are crucial for elite players to peak for major tournaments.
