14/10/2026
🏉 THE NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP – HOW DOES THE NEW FORMAT WORK?
2026 sees a completely new format for international rugby, bringing together 12 of the world’s leading nations in a genuine North v South competition.
The six Northern Hemisphere nations — Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, France and Italy — take on New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Japan and Fiji across three matches in July and another three in November. Results across those six matches determine the rankings in each hemisphere.
Then comes the big addition: Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium, London — 27th–29th November.
For the first time, all 12 nations come together for three days of double-headers, with teams matched according to where they finish in their respective tables:
1st v 1st | 2nd v 2nd | 3rd v 3rd | 4th v 4th | 5th v 5th | 6th v 6th
The 1st v 1st clash decides the inaugural Nations Championship winner, while all six matches also contribute towards the new Hemisphere Shield, deciding whether the Northern or Southern Hemisphere comes out on top overall. The grand final is worth double points towards the Shield.
And Trophy Events are proud to be Official Hospitality Providers for the Nations Championship Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium. 🥂🏉
Interested in experiencing the first-ever Finals Weekend in VIP hospitality?
Get in touch with the Trophy Events team for our hospitality options.