Hey rugby fans, get ready for some exciting news! The world of rugby is about to undergo a major transformation with the approval of a new global tournament. Starting in 2026, the 12-team Nations Championship will take place in the existing July and November international windows. But don’t worry, the beloved Six Nations Championship will still be around, although it will be shortened from seven to six weeks when the new biennial competition kicks off in three years’ time. There are even rumors that the Six Nations will be rescheduled to start in late February and finish in April. How cool is that?
Now, let’s talk about the teams. The initial 12 nations involved in the Nations Championship will include the Six Nations sides, the four Rugby Championship countries, and Fiji and Japan. These teams will be split into separate northern and southern hemisphere groups, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
But wait, there’s more! Alongside the new tournament, World Rugby will also create a second-tier competition for teams from Europe and the rest of the world. This will eventually lead to promotion and relegation opportunities, but not until 2030. So, developing nations will have a chance to shine against the top teams, just not right away.
Now, let’s dive into the details. The second division will consist of teams currently ranked 13 to 24 in the World Rugby rankings. We’re talking about Portugal, Georgia, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay, United States, Spain, Romania, Namibia, Chile, Canada, and Hong Kong. These teams will have their own battles and a shot at moving up the ranks.
And that’s not all! The 2027 World Cup is also getting a makeover. It will increase from 20 to 24 teams and start in October instead of September. So, mark your calendars and get ready for an epic showdown!
This is a game-changer, folks. World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont described it as the most significant overhaul of the international game since rugby went professional. It’s an exciting new era for the sport, bringing certainty and opportunity for all. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!
So, rugby fans, get ready for some thrilling action on the field. The world of rugby is about to get a whole lot more exciting with the new tournament and modifications to the Six Nations. It’s time to cheer on your favorite teams and witness history in the making. Let the games begin!