Nations Championship Rugby Returns This Weekend as The Biggest Nations Battle for Finals Places

The inaugural Rugby Nations Championship returns this weekend, with South Africa, New Zealand, France and Scotland among the leading contenders as the competition enters its decisive November fixtures.

Following an entertaining opening three rounds in July, the tournament resumes on Friday 6th November when Ireland welcome Argentina to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, beginning a weekend featuring six international fixtures.

Scotland’s highly anticipated meeting with the All Blacks at Murrayfield is among the standout contests, while England begin their autumn campaign against Australia at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Sunday afternoon.

With the competition’s first-ever Finals Weekend scheduled to take place at Twickenham from 27th to 29th November, the coming weeks will determine which nations compete for the inaugural title.

South Africa and New Zealand Lead Southern Hemisphere Standings

South Africa and New Zealand have established themselves as the early frontrunners in the southern hemisphere standings, with both nations recording three victories from their opening three matches.

The Springboks currently occupy first place with 15 points, ahead of the All Blacks on points difference following an impressive series of performances during July.

Rassie Erasmus’ side began with a commanding 45-21 victory against England before defeating Scotland 42-28 and Wales 43-0, underlining their credentials as one of the favourites to become the competition’s inaugural champions.

However, South Africa will face their next three matches without several experienced internationals, including Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe and Handré Pollard.

Their absence presents Erasmus with an additional selection challenge ahead of Saturday’s trip to Italy, before the Springboks face France in Paris and Ireland in Dublin.

New Zealand have been equally impressive, defeating France 34-32, Italy 47-17 and Ireland 40-21 during July to maintain their unbeaten record.

The All Blacks now prepare for three consecutive away fixtures against Scotland, Wales and England, with their meeting against the Scots on Saturday offering an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the southern hemisphere standings.

France Face Competition From Scotland and England

The northern hemisphere standings remain considerably closer, with France leading the way on 12 points following victories against Australia and Japan during July.

Les Bleus suffered a narrow 34-32 defeat against New Zealand in their opening fixture but responded with convincing victories over Australia and Japan to move into first place.

However, their advantage remains slim, with Scotland sitting second on 11 points, while England and Ireland are level on 10 points.

Scotland have emerged as genuine contenders following impressive victories against Argentina and Fiji, although their 42-28 defeat against South Africa prevented them from securing a perfect record.

Gregor Townsend’s side now face a significant test against New Zealand at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 7th November, with the hosts hoping to secure a historic first victory over the All Blacks.

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu will lead a 37-player squad that includes Finn Russell, Duhan van der Merwe and Blair Kinghorn for the upcoming home fixtures against New Zealand, Australia and Japan.

For England, Steve Borthwick will be hoping his side can build on their July victories against Fiji and Argentina, having suffered defeat against South Africa in their opening Nations Championship fixture.

The England head coach named his 36-player squad on Monday, although Northampton Saints scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury.

His absence represents a setback ahead of fixtures against Australia, Japan and New Zealand, with the hosts looking to close the gap on France at the top of the northern standings.

Six Huge Fixtures Await on Nations Championship Opening Weekend

The November series begins on Friday evening when Ireland host Argentina, with Andy Farrell’s side looking to improve their position following two victories and one defeat during July.

Saturday features four matches, beginning with Italy against South Africa in Turin before Scotland welcome New Zealand to Murrayfield.

Wales then host Japan at the Principality Stadium, while France face Fiji in Lyon during the evening.

England complete the opening weekend on Sunday when Australia visit the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The full opening-weekend schedule is as follows:

Fixture	Date	Kick-off (UK)
Ireland v Argentina	Friday 6th November	20:10
Italy v South Africa	Saturday 7th November	11:40
Scotland v New Zealand	Saturday 7th November	14:10
Wales v Japan	Saturday 7th November	16:40
France v Fiji	Saturday 7th November	20:10
England v Australia	Sunday 8th November	15:10

With every result contributing towards the final standings, the opening weekend could have a significant influence on which nations reach the championship’s decisive fixture later this month.

How Does the Nations Championship Finals Weekend Work?

The 2026 Nations Championship features 12 international teams divided into two groups of six, representing the northern and southern hemispheres.

Each country plays six fixtures against teams from the opposite hemisphere, with three matches taking place during July and the remaining three scheduled for November.

At the conclusion of those fixtures, the teams will be ranked according to their final group positions before travelling to the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, for Finals Weekend.

The event takes place across three days from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November, featuring six fixtures between nations finishing in corresponding positions in their respective groups.

The winners of the northern and southern hemisphere standings will meet in Sunday’s championship decider, with the victorious nation crowned the first-ever Nations Championship winner.

With France, Scotland, England and Ireland separated by just two points in the northern standings, the battle to reach the final remains wide open.

South Africa and New Zealand also face an intriguing contest for top spot in the southern standings, making every fixture over the coming weeks particularly important.

Nations Championship 2026 FAQs

When does the Nations Championship return in November 2026?

The Nations Championship resumes on Friday 6th November 2026 when Ireland host Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The remaining five opening-weekend fixtures take place on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November.

Who is leading the Nations Championship standings?

France currently lead the northern hemisphere standings with 12 points, ahead of Scotland on 11. South Africa and New Zealand are level on 15 points in the southern hemisphere standings, with the Springboks leading on points difference.

When is the Nations Championship Final in 2026?

The inaugural Nations Championship Final will take place on Sunday 29th November 2026 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. The match will feature the highest-ranked teams from the northern and southern hemisphere standings.

Which teams are competing in the Nations Championship?

The northern hemisphere consists of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy. The southern hemisphere group features South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Fiji and Japan.

Where can I book Nations Championship hospitality packages?

Eventmasters offers official Nations Championship hospitality packages for England’s home fixtures at Twickenham and Scotland’s home matches at Murrayfield throughout November 2026.