The Nations Championship – A new era of Rugby explained

Nations Championship 2026
By Marnie Fontana
FRI 27 MAR 2026

 

International rugby is entering a bold new chapter with the introduction of the Nations Championship - a global competition designed to elevate the sport, intensify rivalries, and deliver more meaningful matches than ever before.

For fans of the Wallabies, it marks an exciting opportunity to see the team compete on a bigger stage, against the very best, in a structured format.

What is the Nations Championship?

The Nations Championship is a newly structured international competition that unites the traditional powerhouses of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres into one premium tournament.

On one side, the Six Nations teams - England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales - represent the North. On the other, the SANZAAR nations - Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina, joined by two invitational teams: Japan and Fiji - who collectively will fly the flag for the South.

These teams will face off in a format designed to deliver high-stakes matchups, culminating in a finals series that determines the ultimate rugby champion. Every game counts, every rivalry is heightened, and every result carries weight.

Why is it different?

For decades, international rugby has been split across hemispheres, with limited crossover outside of World Cups and occasional tours. The Nations Championship changes that.

This competition introduces:

  • Regular Northern vs Southern Hemisphere clashes - no longer at random, now a locked-in competition fans can look forward to.
  • A structured, merit-based format - bringing consistency, context, and consequence to each Test instead of multiple mini-Tests across each year.

The result is a competition that blends tradition with innovation - preserving the history of the game whist creating a more compelling competition that brings together the best of rugby.

 

Where will the Wallabies be playing?

As part of the Southern Hemisphere contingent, the Wallabies will host and travel for a series of blockbuster fixtures across Australia and key international venues.

Fans can expect iconic home matches in cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, alongside unforgettable international trips to rugby heartlands across Europe including London and Cardiff. Of course you can travel with Wallabies Travel to not miss a minute of the action.

Be part of the new era

The Nations Championship isn’t just a new competition - it’s a defining moment for international rugby.

With Wallabies Travel, you can experience it all firsthand. From premium match tickets and curated accommodation, our Nations Championship packages are designed to bring you closer to the action.

Don’t just follow the Wallabies - travel with them.

Explore Wallabies Travel Nations Championship packages now and secure your place.