Nations Championship 2026 The Story So Far

Three rounds down, three to go.

The inaugural Nations Championship has exploded into action and delivered statement victories, surprise results and a clearer picture of which teams are firm contenders ahead of November's decisive fixtures.

With the three July rounds in the Southern Hemisphere now complete, attention turns north as England and the world’s best rugby teams prepare for a blockbuster autumn that will decide the first ever Nations Championship winners.

What Happened in July?

The twelve biggest international rugby teams from across the globe endured three matches against some of their greatest rivals in July. No margin for slow starts, no margin for error. Every try, kick, bonus point and victory could prove to be crucial later in the tournament – so it was everything to play for. While no trophies are lifted at this stage, every point earned contributes towards the Finals Weekend seeding.

The Big Talking Points

The July fixtures delivered everything you’d want from a new international tournament: heavyweight collisions, surprise results, bonus-point drama and plenty of talking points.

The Springboks reminded us exactly why they’re the current Rugby World Cup Champions, with three wins from three, an eighty-one-point, points difference and maximum momentum heading into the next stage. While everyone expected the Southern teams to dominate on their home turf, the Northerner Hemisphere sides proved they could be dangerous too and caused some upsets with hard-fought victories. Scotland's (surprising?) consistency kept them firmly in contention, while France’s bonus points are already them to lead the Northern side of the table.

How Did England Fare?

England’s campaign began with the toughest assignment of them all: a trip to face the world champions, South Africa. Steve Borthwick’s side couldn’t live with the Springboks' power in a 45-21 defeat, but the momentum quickly switched. A ruthless 73-8 victory over Fiji reignited confidence among the squad as they built on set-piece dominance and a disciplined defense display. England then closed July with an impressive away win over Argentina in one of the most chaotic Tests of the summer. It was an eighty-minute high-pressure contest featuring seven yellow cards, eight tries, and a final-minute disallowed try – a game that truly had it all.

Now the championship heads north; and England will look for more victories in front of a home crowd in Twickenham.

The Standings After Three Rounds

If July proved anything, it’s that bonus points matter. From the narrowest results to the dominant wins, it all adds up.

With the three Southern Hemisphere rounds complete, France sit at the top spot of the Northern Hemisphere table after a strong start to the competition - but they mustn't get too comfortable. Scotland are just one point behind them, and as for England, they're in third place following back-to-back bonus point wins.

South Africa and New Zealand jointly boast a healthy fifteen points and dominate the Southern Hemisphere table, but the Springboks take the number one spot thanks to a higher points difference.

Fixtures Move North for November

The story continues in November when the Nations Championship resumes, beginning on Friday 6th November. The Northern Hemisphere will host the remaining Rounds Four to Six, where points will continue to be awarded, after which the rankings for each team will be confirmed within hemisphere groupings.

What's next? Finals Weekend! Yes – the climax of the inaugural championship reaches its most dramatic chapter, kicking off on Friday 27th November, with double headers on Friday, Saturday, and the Grand Final Sunday 29th November where the best team comes out on top. Expect the intensity to reach boiling point. Everything is on the line.

Which Teams are Expected to Face Off on Finals Weekend?

After three rounds, we have some clear front runners emerging. These are mostly as expected, with a few surprises (we’re looking at you, Scotland!). While we still have the next three rounds to settle the rankings ahead of the Nations Championship Finals Weekend, here are some “way too early” predictions for who might be facing who come the big weekend.

Fighting in fifth and sixth

Sitting at the bottom of the table after the first half of the fixtures, you’ll find Wales and Japan, as well as Italy and Fiji. If things stay as they are then these could be critical matches in deciding which Hemisphere takes home the mantra of Hemisphere Challenge Winners!

Middle of the pack

Pre-tournament predictions had Ireland in high contention for leading the northern table, but after the first three rounds, England are above the Irish based on points difference. Meaning that there’s some catching-up for Ireland to do. With matches against South Africa, Argentina, and Fiji – they have some games ahead that could lean in their favor.

The Australia vs Scotland pool fixture will be one to watch, as the outcome could determine where Australia falls in the Southern Hemisphere rankings, and give us a clearer idea of their position for the Finals Weekend. The Wallabies are currently sitting in third, with the Pumas of Argentina looking to move up and grab this spot.

The top four

The coveted top positions in each hemisphere could have a few different outcomes, either way we will certainly witness some fantastic rugby.

For the Southern Hemisphere teams, it looks like the current World Champions, the Springboks could take the top spot unless the almighty All Blacks from New Zealand push ahead in the points after their next three games. For the Northern teams, it’s a bit less certain. France, England, and Ireland are looking like close contenders – but let’s not discount Scotland’s performance in the first three rounds. They’re currently sitting above England by one point heading into the next phase of the championship.

How Does the Nations Championship Finals Weekend Work?

The Nations Championship concludes on one single weekend: the Finals Weekend. It's six matches played in three double-headers across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each hemisphere’s six teams will be ranked from one to six. Over the weekend, sixth plays sixth, fifth plays fifth, fourth plays fourth - you get the idea! The Grand Final will then decide the best team in the world.

But let's not forget about the Hemisphere Challenge! Each match during Finals Weekend feeds into the challenge, and seven points are up for grabs. One point is awarded for each match from sixth v sixth place to second v second place, and two for the Final. The first hemisphere to reach four points is crowned the winning hemisphere. Let the challenge begin!

Where Is the Nations Championship Final Being Held?

Allianz Stadium, Twickenham will play host to the highly anticipated Finals Weekend.

Allianz Stadium is renowned for its atmosphere. It’s a venue that produces what can only be described as a cauldron of noise, where supporters are brimming with undeniable passion and adoration for the game.

How Do I Get Tickets to the Nations Championships?

As England Rugby’s Official Hospitality Sales Partner, we (Keith Prowse) are on sale with official VIP experiences for England’s November pool fixtures and of course, for Finals Weekend. England will face Australia on Sunday 8th, Japan the following Saturday 14th and the mighty New Zealand on Saturday 21st November 2026. Finals Weekend will then take place the weekend after, from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November.

Our official rugby hospitality packages mean you can witness the Nations Championships in style and experience a day at the rugby like no other. Think inclusive bars, elevated dining, menus curated by Michelin star chefs, exclusive lounges, suite-to-seat access and Q&As with rugby legends. It’s guaranteed to be an unmissable November, and we know we’re biased, but this is the best way to enjoy a day at the rugby!

Take a look at our hospitality options for the Nations Championship