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Rugby is entering a new era with the introduction of the Nations Championship.
Kicking off in July 2026, the tournament will see the world's top rugby nations competing for the chance to lift the shiny new trophy in November 2026.
Our beloved Springboks are, of course, taking part. The four-time World Champions will be looking to back up their back-to-back World Cup triumphs and prove once again why they are the best rugby side in the world.
But what exactly is the Nations Championship? Why is it being played in July and November? Where are the matches taking place?
We have all the answers to those questions and more right here.
What is the Nations Championship?
In years gone by, northern hemisphere teams would tour the southern hemisphere in the middle of the year, with the reverse happening at the end of the year.
While these Test matches have always carried weight (rugby is always serious, boet!), there was no real trophy on the line for the best side of the year. Bragging rights, yes, but no overall trophy. That is about to change.
Who is playing?
Twelve nations from both hemispheres will take part.
Northern Hemisphere
France
England
Wales
Ireland
Scotland
Italy
Southern Hemisphere
South Africa
New Zealand
Australia
Argentina
Japan (yes, technically Northern, but Southern for this tournament)
Fiji
How does the Nations Championship work?
The twelve teams have been grouped by hemisphere. Each nation will play one match - either home or away - against the six nations from the other hemisphere's group, with three taking place in July (southern nations at home) and three in November (northern nations at home).
Every match matters in this format, with log points awarded as follows:
- 4 points for a win
- 2 points for a draw
- 0 points for a loss
- 1 bonus point for scoring 4 tries or more in a match
- 1 bonus point for losing a match by 7 points or less
Once the group stage is finished and the positions have been finalised, all 12 nations will descend upon London, England, at the end of November for a Finals Weekend at the iconic Twickenham Stadium (or Allianz Stadium for the non-traditionalists).
The Finals Weekend will feature two matches a day, played from Friday to Sunday (27 to 29 November 2026), starting with 6th vs 6th and ending with 1st vs 1st from the respective groups.
The winner of the 1st vs 1st clash will be crowned Nations Championship winners, but there is also a side quest to decide which hemisphere reigns supreme in the rugby world for 2026 (a debate as old as time).
The first five matches of the Finals Weekend are worth one point for the winner, while the final is worth two points. The first hemisphere to reach four points on Finals Weekend will win the bragging rights as the best rugby hemisphere.
When are the matches taking place?
- Round 1: Saturday, 4 July 2026
- Round 2: Saturday, 11 July 2026
- Round 3: Saturday, 18 July 2026
- Round 4: Friday, 6 November 2026 to Sunday, 8 November 2026
- Round 5: Friday, 13 November 2026 to Sunday, 15 November 2026
- Round 6: Saturday, 21 November 2026
- Finals Weekend: Friday, 27 November 2026 to Sunday, 29 November 2026 (Book Accommodation)
Check out the Nations Championship ticket availability here
When do the Springboks play?
- Saturday, 4 July 2026: Springboks vs England at Ellis Park, Johannesburg (Book Accommodation)
- Saturday, 11 July 2026: Springboks vs Scotland at Loftus, Pretoria (Book Accommodation)
- Saturday, 18 July 2026: Springboks vs Wales at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban (Book Accommodation)
- Saturday, 7 November 2026: Italy vs Springboks at Allianz Stadium in Turin (Book Accommodation)
- Friday, 13 November 2026: France vs Springboks at Stade de France in Paris (Book Accommodation)
- Saturday, 21 November 2026: Ireland vs Springboks at Aviva Stadium in Dublin (Book Accommodation)
- Weekend of 27, 28, 29 November 2026: Fixture TBD at Twickenham Stadium in London
Where can I watch the matches?
Well, if you are in Johannesburg, Pretoria or Durban, you're in for a treat as matches will be taking place live in your city, as per the schedule above.
If you aren't able to get to the stadium, SuperSport will show all matches live in South Africa. Some rounds feature all six matches in a row, so it's set for a pure festival of rugby action.
For those who love a vibe, we've put together a list of the best places to watch live sport in Johannesburg. While it may be football World Cup fever at the moment, once the Springboks hit the field for the Nations Championship, you just know the pubs, bars, and viewing spots will be packed with green and gold gees.
If you are hungry after the match, one of our picks of Johannesburg's best restaurants will do the trick. A personal favourite of mine is Thunder Gun on Beyers Naude in Blackheath. Do yourself a favour and try their ribs - the perfect post-match meal.
For those travelling to Johannesburg for the match, make a note of these Best Things To Do in the city. There is so much to explore beyond the rugby.
Time Out Tip: If you are attending the match at Ellis Park or just want to be part of the vibe on matchday, you can't go wrong with the Troyeville Hotel, located a short walk from the stadium. Their Portuguese-inspired food menu and ice-cold beers on tap are the perfect pre- and post-match remedy. Definitely try their prego rolls.
Five players to watch in the Nations Championship
Damian Penaud (France)
The utility-back has the x-factor that can change a game in a matter of seconds. While France is missing a number of key players for the July fixtures, Penaud could prove to be the difference.
Henry Pollock (England)
When it comes to players that get under the skin of the opposition, Pollock is the master. The 21-year-old is a fierce competitor and he will make life tough for the Boks at Ellis Park.
Will Jordan (New Zealand)
The try-scoring machine will be looking to add to his impressive record by breaking the 50-try mark in Tests during the Nations Championship. I'm backing him to do just that, too.
Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
The Irish loose-forward is a former World Player of the Year winner and keeps getting better with age. Now at 33, he'll be eager to show the world that he is still one of the best around.
Siya Kolisi (Springboks)
The legend of South African and world rugby may be in the twilight of his career, but that won't stop him from continuing to inspire as captain of the Springboks as his team looks to add more silverware to the already packed trophy cabinet.
Win rugby tickets
Keep your eyes peeled to Time Out Johannesburg and our socials - we have some tickets for South Africa vs England to give away!
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