# 2026 Nations Championship preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-nations-championship-preparations
> Updated: 2026-10-22T12:34:37.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Preparations for the November 2026 Nations Championship are underway, beginning with the announcement of player squads for Ireland and Wales. Ireland has named a 36-man squad led by captain Dan Sheehan, though the team is managing an injury crisis involving several regular players. Wales has confirmed a 39-player squad under captain Dewi Lake, featuring three uncapped players.

Following squad announcements, World Rugby has confirmed the match officials for the Northern Series Tests in Europe. Appointments include referees Eoghan Cross for Italy versus South Africa, Andrea Piardi for France versus South Africa, and Christophe Ridley for Ireland versus South Africa. Officials for the Finals Weekend in London are expected to be announced after the conclusion of the Northern Hemisphere Series.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: World Rugby announces officials for November Nations Championship Tests

World Rugby has named the referees for the November Nations Championship Tests in Europe, including officials for the Springboks' matches against Italy, France, and Ireland.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-rugby-announces-officials-for-november-nations-championship-tests

### 2026-10-20: Ireland and Wales announce squads for Nations Championship

Ireland and Wales have announced their squads for the November Nations Championship. Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland, while Dewi Lake leads Wales in their upcoming home series.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cymru-wu23-squad-launched-to-bridge-wales-womens-football-gap

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Cite as: 2026 Nations Championship preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-nations-championship-preparations