The 2012 Rugby Championship kicked off on 18 August with New Zealand defeating Australia and finished on 6 October.

The inaugural Championship was won by New Zealand, which was their 11th Southern Hemisphere title including the Tri Nations.

Head coach: Santiago Phelan Note: Flags indicate national union for the club/province as defined by World Rugby.

Head coach': Robbie Deans Note: Flags indicate national union for the club/province as defined by World Rugby.

Head Coach:' Heyneke Meyer Note: Flags indicate national union for the club/province as defined by World Rugby.