• The Nations Championship launches in July 2026, featuring a 12-team format.
• Teams from the northern hemisphere will face those from the southern hemisphere in a series of matches.
• The competition aims to enhance the significance of international test matches.
• London's Twickenham will host the Finals Weekend from November 27-29, 2026.
• The tournament includes a second-tier Nations Cup for emerging teams.

The Rugby Nations Championship, a much-anticipated global tournament, is set to begin in July 2026, with a total of 12 teams competing to establish not only a champion but also to determine the dominant hemisphere in rugby. This competition is seen as a "watershed moment for rugby union," transforming the existing international playing windows in July and November, which traditionally featured ad hoc tours and one-off Tests. The tournament promises to end this inconsistency, providing a cohesive competition structure, according to Reuters, BBC, and South China Morning Post.

The inaugural matches will feature significant matchups, including South Africa against England and France traveling to New Zealand, amongst others. These fixtures are designed to increase the competition's visibility and ensure that each game holds substantial weight in the broader scope of international rugby. The Six Nations teams will represent the northern hemisphere, while the southern hemisphere will be represented by teams including South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, enhancing the stakes of each match played, as emphasized by the organizers, according to Reuters and BBC.

The competition will culminate in a thrilling Finals Weekend, set to take place at London's iconic Twickenham stadium from November 27-29, 2026. The best teams from both hemispheres will clash, with the top-ranked teams vying for the championship title, while also contributing to an overall competition score that will determine the winning hemisphere. This innovative format is anticipated to attract substantial viewership and sponsorship, adding new financial dimensions to the sport, as outlined by the tournament's organizers, according to South China Morning Post.

In addition to the Nations Championship, a second-tier competition known as the Nations Cup will also be introduced, allowing emerging teams such as Canada and Georgia to gain experience against established nations during the same windows. This initiative aims to create a pathway for less dominant teams in international rugby, thus fostering growth and competition within the sport. The aim is to enhance global engagement and inclusivity in rugby, as stated by rugby officials, according to Reuters, BBC, and South China Morning Post.