South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina will join forces with England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales to create a new global rugby tournament starting in 2026. The Six Nations and SANZAAR have announced plans for this joint competition, which aims to inject new life into international rugby.
The tournament will be played in the existing July and November Test windows, alternating with the British & Irish Lions tours and the World Cup. The aim is to bring more context and excitement to these windows and attract new fans to the game. The competition will also pave the way for relegation and promotion matches, offering a valuable pathway for teams and supporting the growth of the global game.
In addition to the ten Six Nations and Rugby Championship teams, there will be two spots reserved for invited unions, potentially including Japan. The governing body World Rugby will establish a second-tier competition featuring teams from Europe and the rest of the world, providing further opportunities for teams to rise to the top level.
The format of the tournament has not been confirmed, but reports suggest that northern hemisphere teams will travel south for three tests in July, followed by hosting three more games in November. This configuration will give teams from different hemispheres the chance to face off against each other regularly and test their skills on a global stage.
The creation of this joint tournament reflects the strong ambition and commitment of all parties involved to drive the growth and sustainability of the sport. By providing a stronger narrative and context for international rugby, the tournament aims to excite players and engage fans worldwide.
It is important to note that while this news presents an exciting development for international rugby, there may be differing opinions and perspectives regarding the impact and significance of this joint tournament. Some may view it as a positive step towards fostering greater collaboration between the northern and southern hemispheres, while others may have concerns about the potential impact on existing competitions and the overall balance of power in the rugby landscape.
Nevertheless, the announcement of this new global tournament marks a significant milestone in the sport’s evolution and presents an opportunity for rugby enthusiasts around the world to witness compelling matches between the best teams from different hemispheres. It will be interesting to see how the tournament unfolds and the impact it has on the future of international rugby.
