Kick off :TBC
The inaugural Nations Championship kicks off with a seismic clash as England travel to face the two-time defending World Champions, the Springboks, in the high-altitude cauldron of Ellis Park, Johannesburg.
This Round 1 fixture, scheduled for Saturday, July 4th, 2026, is a brutal statement start to the new international cycle, forcing Steve Borthwick’s men to overcome the ultimate physical test against a South African side renowned for their power game.
With both nations vying for an early lead in their respective Hemispheric groups—and with precious points counting towards a place in the Grand Final—this fixture is more than just a test match; it's a critical, high-stakes collision that will immediately set the tone for the 2026 campaign.

2026 marks the launch of the "Nations Championship" (sometimes called the World League). This new tournament format links the Summer and Autumn test windows.
July (Summer): The "Southern Hemisphere" leg (Northern teams travel South).
November (Autumn): The "Northern Hemisphere" leg (Southern teams travel North).
Finals: The series culminates in a "Grand Final" weekend in London at the end of November.

Summer Series 2026 (July)
These matches are played in the Southern Hemisphere. Northern teams (Six Nations) travel to play Southern teams (Rugby Championship + Fiji & Japan).

Round 1: Weekend of July 4–5
South Africa v England
New Zealand v France
Australia v Ireland
Argentina v Scotland
Fiji v Wales
Japan v Italy