Billed as a ‘North vs. South’ competitors, the Nations Championship will see rugby’s high worldwide groups compete in opposition to one another in two phases, in July and November.
The Six Nations sides (England, Eire, Wales, Scotland, France and Italy) will play six groups from the southern hemisphere (New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Japan and Fiji) over six rounds. The three groups will compete within the “South Collection” in July, and the remaining three groups will compete within the “North Collection” in November.
The ultimate weekend will then be held in London.
This is every part it’s essential to know concerning the match.
What’s the match for?
This match is an try so as to add particular that means to the normal mid-term and year-end check matches.
Sometimes, groups from the northern hemisphere journey south for a collection in the midst of the 12 months, and groups from the northern hemisphere journey south in November or December, with nothing at stake (aside from delight).
The Nations Championship is a biennial competitors the place everybody competes and an total winner is in the end decided.
Not like conventional multi-Take a look at collection, groups will play one match in opposition to their rivals earlier than shifting on to the following match over six weekends in July and November.
How does it work?
Every nation will play an opponent from the other hemisphere, however will sit on the identical desk as their home opponents.
For instance, Six Nations groups are positioned on one desk, Rugby Championship groups, Japan and Fiji are positioned on one other desk.
After six rounds, every group performs in opposition to an equal group from a rival desk.
For instance, if Scotland have been positioned third within the Northern standings and Australia positioned third within the Southern standings, they might face one another on finals weekend for third place total.
Groups earn 4 factors for a win and a couple of factors for a draw. Bonus factors are awarded if you happen to lose by 7 factors or much less and rating 4 tries.
There can even be an total competitors between the hemispheres, with factors awarded within the ultimate spherical of matches. For instance, if Eire have been to play New Zealand within the ultimate, they might obtain factors for the northern hemisphere.
Who will England play?
England face a tough stint this summer season for 2 causes. First, because the world champion, you’ll face off in opposition to three robust opponents. South Africa, fiji and Argentina.
One other issue that coach Steve Borthwick’s facet should take care of is the grueling journey schedule. England will journey from England to Johannesburg earlier than returning residence to face Fiji in Liverpool the next week.
They are going to then head to Santiago del Estero in Argentina for the ultimate race.
By the point the group completed the Argentina check and returned residence, they might have traveled roughly 40,000 miles in a single month.
In November they are going to host Australia, Japan and new zealand On the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
July match schedule
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Japan vs. Italy Tokyo Chichibunomiya Stadium, Tokyo. Time TBC.
new zealand vs france One among New Zealand’s stadiums in Christchurch. 8:10am BST.
australia vs eire Allianz Stadium in Sydney. 11:10am BST.
fiji vs wales Cardiff Metropolis Stadium, Cardiff. Time undetermined.
south africa vs england, Ellis Park, Johannesburg. 4:10pm BST.
Argentina vs Scotland Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba. 8pm BST.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
New Zealand vs ItalyHenry, Wellington. 6:10am BST.
Australia vs FranceSuncorp Stadium, Brisbane. 8:40am BST.
Japan vs EireMcDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle (Australia) 11am BST.
Fiji vs EnglandLiverpool’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. 2:10pm BST.
South Africa vs ScotlandLoftus Versfeld, Pretorgia. 4:40pm (BST)
Argentina vs WalesSan Juan de Bicentenario Stadium, San Juan. 8pm BST.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Japan vs FranceTokyo Nationwide Stadium, Tokyo. Time undetermined
New Zealand vs EireEden Park, Auckland. 8:10am BST.
Australia vs ItalyHBF Park, Perth. 11:10am BST.
Fiji vs ScotlandMurrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. Time undetermined
south africa vs walesKings Park Stadium, Durban. Time undetermined
Argentina vs EnglandThe distinctive Mom of Cities Stadium in Santiago del Estero. 8pm BST.
Easy methods to watch the Nations Championship within the UK
The Nations Championship might be broadcast reside without spending a dime on ITV within the UK.
