Plans for Global Tournament Unveiled by Organisers of Six Nations and Rugby Championship

A New Biennial Rugby Competition to Start in 2026

In a surprising move that has left rugby fans both excited and perplexed, a new biennial competition featuring all 10 teams from the Six Nations and Rugby Championship is set to kick off in 2026. This groundbreaking tournament will be played during the existing July and November Test windows, but it will take place only in alternate years, avoiding any conflicts with British and Irish Lions tours or the World Cup.

The introduction of this competition also opens doors for two more unions to join. The organizers have envisioned introducing promotion and relegation from 2030 through a second-tier competition overseen by World Rugby. Not only does this plan promise an opportunity for growth, but its long-term sustainability goals are equally commendable.

The participating nations will include England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Italy from the Six Nations championship; along with South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina – collectively known as Sanzaar – representing the Rugby Championship sides. To ensure equal representation on each side of the globe during selection processes for additional teams from the southern hemisphere,

a “transparent selection process” will be implemented by Six Nations and Sanzaar organizers.

Rumors indicate that one group may consist of northern hemisphere Six Nations sides while another comprises southern hemisphere teams. In this proposed format, teams from the north would travel south for three Tests in July before hosting three games themselves come November.

This exciting development does not disrupt current schedules entirely as it keeps intact both February-March position of Six Nations championship on calendar as well as August-September slot reserved for playing Rugby Championship matches.

The Six Nations and Sanzaar expressed their satisfaction with the collaborative process leading to this new competition’s establishment. Involving World Rugby, unions, key leagues, competitions, and most notably the International Rugby Players (IRP), they believe that these two competitions will create a pathway for teams in terms of promotion and relegation matches while contributing towards sustainable growth for the global game.

“The impact this will have on the game is immeasurable; it aims to drive its growth and ensure its long-term sustainability. Furthermore,” said representatives from Six Nations Rugby and Sanzaar,

“this development aligns perfectly with our ongoing endeavors to bring greater clarity and balance to both club and international rugby calendars – an objective we remain committed to delivering.”

A recent meeting held in London involving rugby leaders concluded with plans for a final decision on the sport’s future global calendar being made by World Rugby Council come October. Representatives from various entities such as World Rugby itself, British and Irish Lions, Six Nations championship officials, along with stakeholders from IRP were all present during discussions.

In response to these talks, IRP conveyed through Twitter their expectations for any proposed changes: “Any global season must prioritize opportunities for emerging nations while prioritizing player welfare above all else.” Additionally,

the players’ body has urged World Rugby authorities to standardize player rest periods across board as well as implement a maximum match quota applicable universally.