The 2026 Nations Championship
The 2026 international rugby calendar is different than previous years due to the introduction of the Nations Championship and the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. Both of these tournaments have replaced the Rugby Championship this year. The tournament will only make a return in 2027 in the same year as a Rugby World Cup, which will also be a first.
The Nations Championship is essentially a battle between teams for the North and the South. Furthermore the event is now a biennial. It will however not take place in years that feature Rugby World Cups or the British and Irish Lions tours. The Championship is a great way for teams to access their strength and gain experience for next year’s World Cup.
How does the Nations Championship Format look?
The nationschampionshiprugby is made up of two groups or hemispheres. Each team will play one match against each team of the opposing group. The first phase of matches consists of 3 rounds. It is called the Southern Hemisphere Series, because all of the matches will be played in the Southern Hemisphere with the exemption of Fiji. Fiji will play all their matches in Europe. The first match of this part of the tournament kicks off on the 4th of July.
The nations championship then takes a little of bit a break after the Southern Hemisphere Round. This is as a result of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour in South Africa. However the competition makes a return with the Northern Hemisphere Round which kicks off on the 6th of November.
The tournament goes in into the Finals Series after the Group Stage matches. Teams will face opponents that hold the same rank after the Group Stage of the event. The sixth-ranked team in one group will play the sixth-ranked team in the other group.
To decide the 11th position. This is to decide where each team finishes in the competition. Ultimately the final on the 29th of November will decide the overall champion.
The Point Structure
A standard point structure is used in the nations championship. A team receives 4 points for winning a match. Both teams get 2 points if the match ends in a draw. A team receives 0 points if they lose. However they receive 1 point if they lose the match with fewer than 8 points. 1 bonus point is awarded if a team scores 4 or more tries.
Teams in the 2026 Nations Championship
The teams from Northern Hemisphere are the same teams that make up the Six Nations. These teams include, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy.
The teams that make up the Southern Hemisphere are the same teams that make up Rugby Championship. With the addition of two countries. The teams of the Southern Hemisphere are South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Japan and Fiji.
Springbok Matches
Three stadiums, including Ellis Park, Kings Park, and Loftus Versfeld, will host the Nations Championship rugby matches in South Africa. The Bokke host England for a first match on the 4th of July at Ellis Park. Scotland at Loftus on 11th. Lastly, the team will play the final match of the Southern Hemisphere leg of the competition at Kings Park in Durban against Wales.
All Matches & Finals Weekend
With the new tournament just around the corner there is a lot of rugby to look forward to! The world will be watching, here are the matches to keep in your diary.
Top Rugby betting Sites in South Africa
There are many top rugby betting sites to choose from for rugby enthusiasts. From Betway that sponsors the Boks, Hollywoodbets that sponsors the Sharks or YesPlay that now spnsors the YesPlay Cup. Give the following recommended bookies a go and be sure to look at the promos on offer as well.
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FAQ
All the matches of the Final Series will be played at Twickenham over three days from the 27th to the 29th of November.
Yes, most of our Top rugby betting sites will offer odds on the tournament. The odds will also be available closer to the starting date.
Yes, tickets are still available for the matches in South Africa and prices start at R950.
Yes, the Bokke will face the All Blacks in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry in August 2026. They will also face Argentina beginning of August and Australia in September – both away fixtures.
Our men in green and gold are definitely a team to watch and worthy of a bet. But anything can happen against the best teams in the world.
South Africa has many licenced online betting sites to choose from. It is finding the one that resonates with you! Therefore look for a bookie that offers Super Boosts or promotions relating to rugby. From betway that sponsors the Springboks to Playa Bets with Faf as their Ambassador, or Playbet who have an excellent welcome offer you are sure to find a match out there.