SANZAAR and Six Nations prepare to launch new global rugby competition in 2026

This competition is a step towards creating a more cohesive and sustainable international rugby calendar.

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Photo by Patrick Case on Pexels

Rugby fans can look forward to an exciting new international competition in 2026, as SANZAAR and Six Nations Rugby team up to reshape the global rugby calendar. The tournament promises to deliver more competitive fixtures, showcasing the sport’s best talent while paving the way for emerging nations to make their mark.

What to expect from the new competition

The competition will feature 12 teams, including the Six Nations sides – England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales – alongside SANZAAR’s Rugby Championship teams: Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Two additional spots are expected to go to Japan and Fiji, bringing a fresh dynamic to the mix.

Teams will be split into two groups – one featuring European teams and the other, the rest of the world. Each team will play six fixtures, culminating in a grand final between the top sides from each group.

Matches will be played during the July and November test windows, offering a consistent structure that avoids clashes with other major events like the Rugby World Cup or the British & Irish Lions Tours. While fans wait for the tournament to begin, they can still enjoy exciting rugby fixtures this weekend.

A pathway for emerging nations

After heeding the calls from the rugby world, World Rugby will introduce a second-tier competition, the Challenger Series, which will run alongside the main tournament supporting the sport’s global growth.

This will feature 12 teams from Europe and other regions, such as Georgia, Portugal, Samoa, and the USA, with promotion and relegation set to kick off in 2030. The aim is to give developing rugby nations a chance to compete at the top level, ensuring the sport remains inclusive and more competitive.

Balancing tradition with innovation

While the new tournament looks to the future, traditional rivalries won’t be left behind. Rugby giants, New Zealand and South Africa are planning extended tours to keep their iconic rivalry alive. These tours will start in 2026, however, they may influence the structure of existing tournaments like The Rugby Championship.

The Bigger Picture

This competition is a step towards creating a more cohesive and sustainable international rugby calendar. By bringing in more meaningful matches and upping the stakes, it’s set to expand rugby’s global fanbase and keep the sport thriving. With heavyweights from across the rugby scene backing the idea and a clear focus on progress, this new chapter promises plenty of excitement, fresh opportunities, and a bright future for the game.