England is set to kick off its inaugural Nations Championship campaign in just over a year, with fixtures lined up against Fiji, South Africa, and Argentina. The 12-team tournament, scheduled to take place every two years, will mark a new chapter in international rugby by replacing traditional tours with a more structured competition. Although the official fixture list has yet to be finalized, current proposals suggest England will face South Africa and Argentina away, while the match against Fiji might be played in Europe, possibly France.
The Nations Championship aims to introduce a fresh format by dividing the participating teams into two conferences. One conference will consist of the Six Nations teams England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales while the other will include the four southern hemisphere SANZAAR nations South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina alongside Japan and Fiji. This structure is designed to foster competitive balance and minimize travel burdens, with the SANZAAR conference split further into two blocks. For example, the lowest-ranked teams in each block will play on neutral grounds to reduce the extensive travel that can be challenging for players.
England’s opening fixture against Fiji is proposed to take place outside the Pacific Islands’ usual venues. Fiji is keen to host the match in Europe, with France being the most likely location due to a significant number of their players being based there. This move would bring the fixture closer to many supporters and make logistics easier for both teams. There is also speculation that Twickenham could be a potential venue, though it remains less certain.
Following the Fiji game, England is expected to travel to South Africa and Argentina for their respective matches. This schedule will give the English side a rigorous start to their Nations Championship journey, challenging them against some of the toughest southern hemisphere teams on their home turf. Notably, the visit to South Africa would be England’s first there since 2018, signaling a significant occasion for the team and fans alike. Argentina, a formidable opponent with two Tests against England already planned this summer, will also provide a stern test in the tournament.
The Six Nations conference itself is subdivided into two blocks to streamline fixtures. Two other nations from this conference will share England’s initial schedule, while the remaining three Six Nations teams will face Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. The autumn following the summer campaign will see the Six Nations countries host the southern hemisphere teams they have not yet played. This arrangement ensures a comprehensive cross-hemisphere competition that contributes to the final rankings of the tournament.
The conclusion of the Nations Championship will feature a finals weekend where teams face their conference counterparts based on rankings. The top-ranked teams from each conference will compete in a grand final, set to be held at Twickenham, with other ranking matches scheduled at stadiums across London. This climactic weekend will crown the champion of the competition, adding excitement and prestige to the new tournament format.
One notable change accompanying the Nations Championship is the adjustment to the autumn Test window. Traditionally, teams have had access to players for only three weeks during this period. To accommodate the new schedule, the Six Nations tournament next year will be shortened from seven to six weeks by removing one rest week, allowing players more time to recover and prepare for international fixtures.
Looking ahead, the Nations Championship is designed to avoid scheduling conflicts with the British & Irish Lions tours and the Rugby World Cup. The 2028 finals weekend is planned to take place in the Middle East, with the United States emerging as the frontrunner to host the 2030 edition. This global rotation aims to expand the sport’s reach and enhance its international appeal.
The competition will be jointly run by the Six Nations and SANZAAR, with World Rugby managing a tier-two level tournament beneath it. While promotion to the top tier is not expected before 2032, the framework offers opportunities for emerging rugby nations to aspire to higher competition levels.
Negotiations for a comprehensive broadcast deal covering both summer and autumn fixtures are reportedly in an advanced stage, with TNT Sports seen as a leading candidate after a successful initial autumn campaign last year. This deal promises to bring wider coverage and greater visibility for the Nations Championship, reinforcing its position as a significant new fixture in the rugby calendar.
