The official launch of the Nations Championship was the “biggest step forward” for the sport since the advent of professionalism 30 years ago, said Mr Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, on Wednesday.
The venues for the 42 matches in the 12-nation series – which culminates with a showdown between the best of the south against the best of the north at the Allianz Stadium in London in November – were confirmed this week, underlining a groundbreaking collaboration between the hemispheres.
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The four SANZAAR countries (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina) plus invitees Fiji and Japan will take on the north’s Six Nations (France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales, and England) in a series of cross-hemisphere matches in July and November for the biennial Nations Championship crown.
“The Nations Championship is more than a tournament, it is a statement of unity and ambition,” said Mr Alexander.
“It reflects our collective belief that rugby’s future must be shaped through partnership, not fragmentation. This is the biggest step forward for the international game since the advent of professionalism.”
The Championship kicks off on 4 July with the first of six matches per round on three successive weekends hosted by the southern hemisphere teams. In November the southern teams head north, by the end of which they will have played all six of the teams from the other hemisphere. Log points will be awarded for every match in separate northern and southern tables.
The fourth and final weekend in November climaxes with six play-off matches over three days based on log points with the finale on Sunday of South 1 versus North 1.
The new chapter in rugby’s history would bring together the world’s leading rugby nations in a structured, integrated competition to enhance the importance of every fixture, said Mr Alexander.
“It will deepen rivalries and create new opportunities for emerging teams,” he said. “It is a bold, future‑focused initiative built on collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to the long‑term sustainability of the global game.
“It is designed to deliver a world‑class experience for fans, offering meaningful fixtures, consistent competition windows and a platform that showcases the very best of international rugby. It also reinforces the sport’s core values of respect, resilience and global connection.”
Mr Alexander said the Nations Championship was designed to deliver a world‑class experience for fans, offering meaningful fixtures, consistent competition windows and a platform that showcases the very best of international rugby, reinforcing the sport’s core values of respect, resilience and global connection.
Unions had reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the Nations Championship drives growth, inspires the next generation and strengthens rugby’s position on the world stage.
“A new chapter for the global game has begun,” he said.
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