Summer Internationals 2026

The summer of 2026 saw the introduction of the Nations Championship. Played every two years – in between Rugby World Cup and Lions Tour years – the tournament consists of six rounds of matches plus a finals weekend, split across the Summer and Autumn Internationals.

The tournament features two groups of teams competing in a Northern vs Southern Hemisphere format. The Northern Hemisphere is represented by England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales (the Six Nations teams), while the Southern Hemisphere group includes South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina (the SANZAAR nations), along with Fiji and Japan as invitational teams.

The opening three rounds of the inaugural Nations Championship have now been completed. The matches were played predominantly in the southern hemisphere, with the exception of Fiji's home fixtures, which were staged in the UK.

Following the opening three rounds, France lead the Northern Hemisphere standings, while South Africa top the Southern Hemisphere table.

The tournament resumes during the Autumn Internationals, when the remaining group-stage fixtures will be played across the northern hemisphere ahead of the finals weekend at Twickenham.

Summer Internationals 2026 Fixtures

Click on the links below to view match stats, reports and video highlights where available.

Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3

For information about tickets and where to purchase them, please read our guide here: How to buy Summer International rugby tickets.