Rugby Nations Championship begins with multiple matches scheduled for July 4
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 3, 2026, 12:15 PM
Last updated Jul 3, 2026
The inaugural Rugby Nations Championship is set to kick off this weekend, featuring 12 top teams from the northern and southern hemispheres. Matches include New Zealand vs. France, Japan vs. Italy, Australia vs. Ireland, Fiji vs. Wales, South Africa vs. England, and Argentina vs. Scotland, all on July 4, 2026. Back-to-back world champions South Africa are favorites, closely followed by France and New Zealand. France faces a challenge without captain Antoine Dupont for the first three rounds. The tournament consists of games in July and November, with finals slated for November 29 at Twickenham Stadium.
- •Rugby Nations Championship features 12 international teams.
- •Matches start July 4, 2026, across various venues.
- •South Africa is favored following recent successes.
- •France will compete without captain Antoine Dupont initially.
- •Final scheduled for November 29, 2026, at Twickenham.
- 12:15 PMYahoo Sports — Rugby Nations Championship standings 2026: Updated results, tables and fixtures
"Stay up to date with the inaugural Rugby Nations Championship as the best of the north and southern hemisphere compete in the sport's newest tournament.
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