The 2021 Rugby Championship was the ninth series of the annual southern-hemisphere competition, involving Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The Springboks returned to the tournament after a year out in 2020 due to South African government travel restrictions and player welfare and safety concerns related to COVID-19.

[2] With continued restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the tournament was staged in Australia and New Zealand, with South Africa also hosting two games - their two matches against Argentina in the opening two rounds.

[7] For some of the law adaptions, they had previously been trialed at Super Rugby level in Australia and New Zealand; the goal-line drop out and the 50:22, whilst the others are new to help reduce injury risk at the breakdown.

Note: Ages, caps and clubs/franchises are of 14 August 2021 – the starting date of the tournament On 29 July, Argentina announced a 47-man roster for the 2021 Rugby Championship.

[15] On 10 August, Samu Kerevi was added to the squad to be available for selection ahead of Australia's second round match (Bledisloe 3) against New Zealand in Perth.