Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Staff and PA Media

Six Nations and Rugby Championship sides to play new biennial tournament

Ireland’s Johnny Sexton
Ireland’s Johnny Sexton lifts the Six Nations trophy after winning the Grand Slam in Dublin back in March 2023. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/INPHO/Shutterstock

The July and November internationals are being restructured into a biennial tournament by Six Nations Rugby and South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina Rugby (Sanzaar) from 2026. The competition will take place in alternating years, between British and Irish Lions tours and Rugby World Cups, and the two organisations stress that it will not add to concerns over player burnout.

The tournament is set to feature England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy from the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship teams which are collectively known as Sanzaar.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.