An all-new, 12-team rugby competition is set to launch in 2026.
The new tournament will see northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere teams go head-to-head in a biannual contest between tier one nations.
The new fixture will take place in the July to November window on alternating years, outside the British & Irish Lions Tours and Rugby World Cup.
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It’s expected the existing Six Nations teams – England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales – will make up one pool while the Rugby Championship teams – Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa – will form another.
That second pool will be filled out to create balance with two invited teams. It’s expected Japan will be one of those.
The tournament will be owned and operated by SANZAAR and the Six Nations.
With the announcement came news that World Rugby will establish a second-tier competition, to facilitate promotion and relegation from 2030.
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“Involved at every stage of developing the new competition has been the International Rugby Players,” a statement read.
“This connection has been key in supporting the wider conversations around the club and international calendar taking place in parallel, and to ensure player welfare has remained a fundamental priority in all decision making.
“To strengthen the development pathway for emerging nations, World Rugby will create a second-tier competition that will feature teams from Europe and the rest of the world, with SANZAAR and Six Nations Rugby actively involved in cementing the link between the two divisions
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“Establishing the two competitions will pave the way for promotion and relegation matches, contributing towards a valuable pathway for teams, and will support ambitions to sustain and grow the global game.
“The introduction of the new elite international competition is testament to the strong ambition across all parties, motivated by delivering context and a stronger narrative around the July and November windows, that can excite players and bring new fans to the game.
“The impact this will have on the game will be to drive its growth and long-term sustainability. This runs alongside the work being done to add greater clarity and balance to the club and international calendar; a process SANZAAR and Six Nations Rugby remain committed to help deliver.”
It’s expected the Six Nations will retain its February through March scheduling as will the Rugby Championship across August and September.
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