New Global Rugby Championship Launches in 2026, Bridging North-South Divide
LONDON – A new international rugby competition, the Nations Championship, will launch in July 2026, aiming to redefine the global rugby landscape with a North versus South format.The tournament, developed through collaboration between nations, seeks to challenge conventional structures and unlock the sport’s full potential.
The competition will feature a series of matches played across July and November, culminating in a Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. The structure divides teams into Northern and Southern series, fostering intense cross-hemisphere rivalries.
“Nations have collaborated with a clear vision to grow the game, by challenging traditional ways of operating to create a tournament structure with genuine global relevance, which will unlock the true value of the sport,” a statement announcing the championship said.”The world’s biggest and best championships are defined by intense sporting drama, and the Nations Championship will stand alongside these. The finals Weekend will add a totally new dimension for fans, and promises to create an astonishing spectacle, crown champions, and act as a catalyst to grow rugby’s reach, globally.”
The tournament will see the world’s top rugby nations compete, including Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales.
2026 nations championship fixtures:
Southern Series (July 4-5, July 11-12, July 18-19)
* Argentina v Scotland
* Australia v Ireland
* Fiji v Wales
* Japan v Italy
* New Zealand v France
* South Africa v England
* Argentina v Wales
* Australia v France
* Fiji v England
* Japan v Ireland
* New zealand v Italy
* South Africa v scotland
* Argentina v England
* Australia v Italy
* Fiji v Scotland
* Japan v France
* New Zealand v Ireland
* South Africa v Wales
Northern Series (November 7-8, November 14-15, November 21-22)
* England v australia
* France v Fiji
* Ireland v Argentina
* Italy v South Africa
* Scotland v New Zealand
* Wales v Japan
* England v Japan
* France v South Africa
* Ireland v Fiji
* Italy v Argentina
* Scotland v Australia
* Wales v New Zealand
* England v New Zealand
* France v Argentina
* Ireland v South Africa
* Italy v Fiji
* Scotland v Japan
* Wales v Australia
Finals Weekend (at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham) (November 27-29)
* November 27: Sixth-place North v Sixth-place South, Third-place north v Third-place South
* November 28: Fifth-place North v Fifth-place South, Second-place North v Second-place South
* November 29: Fourth-place North v Fourth-place South, Frist-place North v First-place South
Reuters
