Get ready for a seismic shift in the rugby calendar. The Nations Championship Finals Weekend, debuting in 2026, is a bold new concept that redefines how the best in the world compete. Six blockbuster fixtures will unfold at Allianz Stadium, based on final group rankings - culminating in a 1st vs 1st showdown between the top-ranked teams from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This decisive clash will crown the overall champion and determine the leading rugby nations of the year. More than just a tournament conclusion, it’s a global celebration of elite rugby talent. With the intensity of knockout rugby and the spectacle of a festival finale, the Finals Weekend promises fans an unforgettable experience.
Experience the ultimate in rugby hospitality as the Nations Championship reaches its thrilling finale! Our exclusive packages combine world-class sport with premium dining, exceptional service, and unbeatable views of the action.
Don't miss your chance to make Finals Weekend unforgettable.
The Nations Championship is the new biennial international rugby tournament created by Six Nations Rugby and SANZAAR and featuring all 10 of the associated unions and federations, plus two invitational teams. The tournament will take place every two years, outside of Rugby World Cup and British & Irish Lions Tour year's, enhancing the existing July and November international windows within the rugby calendar.
By enhancing these windows, Six Nations Rugby and SANZAAR are creating a tournament format that carries competitive jeopardy, with points, rankings and silverware on offer. The tournament signals the first time in the sport's history that the biggest nations in rugby have come together to create a cohesive and competitive tournament format and will stand as the biggest evolution in the game, since it turned professional in 1995.
The Nations Championship will see each of the Six Nations teams forming the 'Northern' group, and the SANZAAR nations; Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and South Africa forming a ‘Southern’ group, that is completed by invitational sides, Japan and Fiji. In July, the 'Northern' teams travel to play three fixtures – each team playing a different opponent in each fixture. In November, the ‘Southern’ group of teams travel north to take on the Six Nations teams. Over the course of the two legs, a team will play each team from their opposing group. Points are earned in each fixture that inform table standings per group, which then dictate opponents for the Finals Weekend set of fixtures.
The Finals Weekend is a totally new concept for rugby union and the showpiece conclusion to the Nations Championship. Six fixtures, dictated by where teams rank within their respective group – i.e. 1st ranked ‘Northern’ team vs 1st ranked ‘Southern’ team. The winner of 1st vs 1st will decide the overall winner of the tournament and the best international rugby nations for that year. Likened to the Superbowl of rugby, the Nations Championship Finals Weekend will offer global fans a unique experience with the best players and teams in international rugby on show for a festival finale to the tournament.
There will be Summer and Autumn fixtures ahead of the Finals, which will be seen as the 'pool matches' which count towards the Nations Championship rankings. Rounds 4-6, replace the Autumn Nations Series and will continue to take place at Allianz Stadium in November.
The pool matches taking place at Allianz Stadium in the Autumn include:
England v Australia - Sunday 8 November
England v Japan - Saturday 14 November
England v New Zealand - Saturday 21 November
Yes, Six Nations and SANZAAR, the governing bodies for the competition, confirmed that Allianz Stadium will host the 2026 Nations Championship Finals. We are delighted to be bringing more rugby to Allianz Stadium, with teams from all over the world competing in an action-packed finals weekend.
A timeline for ticketing is being worked on and will be communicated in due course. Rest assured that our ticketing team are working around the clock to ensure that we can communicate all ticketing timelines as soon as possible. In the meantime you can register your interest here for general admission.
Hospitality packages are on sale now at the links below:
Pricing for tickets will be confirmed in due course. We will communicate with our supporters as soon as possible.
The Nations Championship is a bi-annual tournament, starting in 2026. It will not take place in a Rugby World Cup or British & Irish Lions year.
Further updates regarding the Nations Championship will follow in due course, including confirmation of the July and November schedule of fixtures, alongside information on how to register interest for tickets.
Unions and Federations hosting fixtures in July and November will be responsible for these tickets. Details of Finals Weekend ticketing process will be communicated as soon as possible.
