In 2026, a new biennial international tournament will be launched, featuring teams from the Six Nations and the southern hemisphere.
Six Nations Rugby and SANZAAR, which includes South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina, are collaborating on this venture. The competition will be held during the existing July and November international windows.
All teams from the Six Nations and SANZAAR will participate in the tournament, with two additional spots reserved for invitational unions to join the southern hemisphere group.
The ownership and operation of the tournament will be shared between Six Nations Rugby and SANZAAR. It will take place in alternating years, ensuring it does not clash with British and Irish Lions tours and the Rugby World Cup.
Importantly, the introduction of this new competition will not impact the club calendar. Six Nations Rugby has emphasized that players have been actively involved in the process, addressing concerns regarding burnout and advocating for adequate rest and recovery periods between domestic and international commitments.
Six Nations & SANZAAR Set To Launch New International Rugby Competition.
More: https://t.co/mTKD2HjoZJ pic.twitter.com/JV9TjRPE6v— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 1, 2023
In a statement, Six Nations Rugby highlighted the significant involvement of international rugby players at every stage of developing the new competition. This collaboration has been instrumental in facilitating discussions on the club and international calendar and ensuring player welfare remains a fundamental priority in decision-making.
"Establishing the two competitions will pave the way for promotion and relegation matches, contributing towards a valuable pathway for teams, and will support ambitions to sustain and grow the global game," the statement said.
"The introduction of the new elite international competition is testament to the strong ambition across all parties, motivated by delivering context and a stronger narrative around the July and November windows, that can excite players and bring new fans to the game."
In addition to the new tournament, World Rugby is planning to establish a second-tier competition consisting of teams from Europe and the rest of the world. This initiative will eventually enable promotion and relegation matches.
Six Nations Rugby expressed its belief that the tournament will provide a stronger narrative around the July and November windows, exciting players and attracting new fans to the game.
