Rugby, hockey and cricket cut from streamlined 2026 Commonwealth Games

Ten sports to feature in Scotland after Victoria pulled out as host

The global rugby community has led a chorus of disappointment after 12 sports were shunted from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following the announcement of the program for the streamlined event to be held in Glasgow.

Rugby sevens, hockey and cricket were the highest-profile sports to be axed as part of Glasgow’s 11th-hour offering to help salvage the Commonwealth Games, prompted by last year’s withdrawal of Victoria as host.

World Rugby issued a statement saying it was a blow to fans and players but declared the sport still “has a huge role to play in the future of the Games”.

“While understanding the unique circumstances of the 2026 Games, and reassurances from the Commonwealth Games Federation that the decision does not set a precedent for future Games, the absence of rugby sevens, along with other team sports, at Glasgow 2026 is a significant loss for players, fans, and the Games themselves,” a spokesperson said.

Rugby Australia issued its own statement sharing its disappointment. “The Australian women’s sevens team had hoped to defend the Commonwealth Games gold medal won before a packed stadium in Birmingham two years ago and the men’s side, having just achieved their best result at an Olympics in Paris this year, were similarly confident of a strong showing in Glasgow.”

The Scottish organisers have whittled the program back from the 22 which had been planned for Victoria to just 10 sports in the cut-price Glasgow edition, which will be based in just four inner city venues.

In addition to core sports athletics and swimming, 3×3 basketball, artistic gymnastics, boxing, judo, lawn bowls, netball, track cycling and weightlifting will be part of the event. .

Netball Australia chief executive Stacey West said her organisation and Australian Diamonds were “thrilled” to be included. “The top netball nations are all Commonwealth countries, and this decision shows the depth and strength of our sport,” she said.

Victoria held the rights to host the 2026 event but withdrew last year, triggering negotiations with the Commonwealth Games Federation and ultimately leaving the state with a bill of $589m.

Glasgow stepped in this year to host a stripped-down version of the event, saving what started in 1930 as the British Empire Games.

The Victorian government cited escalating expenses of more than $6bn in its decision to pull out, but the Scottish city is expected to be able to host at minimal cost, largely using the compensation paid by the Victorians.

Australian Commonwealth Games Team Chef de Mission, Petria Thomas, praised Glasgow for taking on the responsibility.

“Glasgow is a major event city and we’re very confident about their capacity to deliver something amazing in a reimagined way,” she said. “The Scots have declared their commitment to delivering a Games centred around athletes, and that’s all we can ask of any potential host.”

Rather than a traditional athletes village, participants in 2026 will stay in pre-existing accommodation. Venues for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the city will be re-used: athletics at Scotstoun Stadium, swimming at Tollcross, track cycling at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and indoor sports will be hosted at the SEC.