Key Highlights
- The Twickenham finale of next year’s new Nations Championship event will pit the north and south of global rugby against each other.
- The biennial 12-team event comprises six rounds of matches across the summer and autumn Test windows before three double-header fixture days on 27-29 November at Allianz Stadium to rank nations and crown champions.
- Six Nations teams will represent the northern hemisphere, with South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Fiji, and Japan as their southern opposition.
- Organizers believe a clearer structure will generate tens of millions more pounds for the participating teams.
New International Rugby Competition: Nations Championship
The international rugby scene is set to witness a significant shift with the introduction of the Nations Championship, an event scheduled for next year. This biennial competition aims to bring together the top rugby nations from both hemispheres in a series of matches leading up to a climactic finale at Allianz Stadium.
Structure and Format
The Nations Championship will feature 12 teams, including Six Nations members representing the northern hemisphere. They will face off against South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Fiji, and Japan from the southern hemisphere. The event will span six rounds of matches across summer and autumn Test windows, culminating in three double-header fixture days on 27-29 November.
These final weekend matches at Allianz Stadium are crucial as they not only determine national rankings but also contribute to a parallel competition to decide which hemisphere prevails overall. The format promises an intense and engaging spectacle for fans, with the best teams and players in the sport converging for decisive encounters.
Global Relevance and Economic Impact
Organizers of the Nations Championship are optimistic about its potential impact on global rugby. Tom Harrison, Six Nations chief executive, hailed it as a “tectonic shift” in the sport, highlighting that the clearer structure and narrative build-up will unlock significant financial benefits for participating teams.
“Rugby’s strongest 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.” – Tom Harrison, Six Nations chief executive
Harrison further emphasized that the finals weekend will add a new dimension for fans and is expected to be an incredible spectacle. He believes this event will boost rugby’s reach globally by bringing together the best teams and players.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The Nations Championship marks a strategic move in international rugby, with ambitions to host future finals in new destinations. There are plans to stage the finals in locations such as the Middle East in 2028 and the United States in 2030, aiming to maximize revenues while spreading the game into new markets.
Despite these ambitious goals, organizers recognize that traditional tours and standalone autumn internationals may face limitations due to the Nations Championship’s schedule. However, the event is designed to “democratize” the calendar for lower-profile nations by guaranteeing matches against top-tier teams in years when the tournament is not being held.
Competitive Landscape
The Nations Championship comes amidst an increasingly competitive battle for rugby’s top stars. An upstart competition, R360, has announced its intention to launch in October 2026 with eight men’s franchise teams and a globetrotting itinerary. This move highlights the growing intensity of the race for talent within international rugby.
Notably, England, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Scotland, Australia, South Africa, and Italy have collectively banned their national teams from selecting any recruits for R360, reflecting the heightened competition for players in top-tier competitions.
The establishment of the Nations Championship alongside a Club World Cup scheduled for 2028 signifies a significant shift in rugby’s calendar.
While there is no prospect of relegation or promotion between the two events, it is hoped that up-and-coming nations such as Georgia, Spain, and Uruguay will benefit from increased exposure to top-tier teams.
The Nations Championship promises to be a landmark event for international rugby, reshaping the competitive landscape and offering new opportunities for growth and development in the sport. As the first edition approaches, all eyes will be on London’s Allianz Stadium for what is set to be an exhilarating finale.
