The 2012 Rugby Championship was the inaugural annual rugby union series between the national rugby union teams of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina. For sponsorship reasons, the competition was known as The Castle Rugby Championship in South Africa, The Investec Rugby Championship in New Zealand, The Castrol Edge Rugby Championship in Australia and The Personal Rugby Championship in Argentina.

The 2012 Rugby Championship kicked off on 18 August with New Zealand defeating Australia and finished on 6 October. Each team played the other twice on a home and away basis. The inaugural Championship was won by New Zealand, which was their 11th Southern Hemisphere title including the Tri Nations.

Man of the Match
Israel Dagg (New Zealand)

Touch judges:
Nigel Owens (Wales)
Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa)
Television match official:
Matt Goddard (Australia)

Man of the Match
Morné Steyn (South Africa)

Touch judges:
Jérôme Garcès (France)
John Lacey (Ireland)
Television match official:
Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)

Man of the Match:
Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)

Touch judges:
Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa)
Television match official:
Ben Skeen (New Zealand)