Rugby Nations Championship 2026 format details competitive rules and structure

The Rugby Nations Championship, set to commence this summer, features teams from the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, along with Fiji and Japan. The tournament will span two stages with games in July and November, culminating in a finals weekend at Twickenham from November 27 to 29. Each of the 12 competing nations will play six games against teams from the opposite hemisphere, with standings determined by wins and points difference. Points will follow traditional scoring methods, while tiebreakers include wins and points difference. The inaugural final will take place at Twickenham Stadium.

• 12:30 PMYahoo Sports — Rugby Nations Championship 2026 format explained: Rules, tiebreakers and points in new tournament