World Rugby implements new international tournament structure

World Rugby is implementing a significant overhaul of the international rugby calendar, with 2026 marking the first full year of the new structure. Traditional July and November test matches are being replaced by two new competitions: the Nations Championship for the top 12 teams and the Nations Cup for the following 12 teams.

The Nations Championship will debut in July 2026, featuring 12 teams divided into two geographic groups: one consisting of the Six Nations teams and the other comprising SANZAAR teams, Japan, and Fiji. The tournament follows a six-round format with matches in July and November, culminating in a final weekend at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in late November.

Notably, the Rugby Championship will not be held in 2026. SANZAAR plans to resume the tournament in 2027, 2028, and 2029. Due to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the Southern Hemisphere tournament will be rescheduled to July and August to ensure teams have high-level competition leading into the World Cup.