The formal structure of a new global tournament bringing together rugby’s top countries from the northern and southern hemispheres was launched Monday, marking what organizers described as a “tectonic shift in the sport.”

Starting in 2026, the Nations Championship will unify the international calendar, taking the results of games in the existing July and November test windows into a league format and eventually setting up a finals weekend at Twickenham from Nov. 27-29.

The teams making up the Six Nations — England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy — will each play three away games in July against those who are part of the Rugby Championship — Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa — as well as two invited countries, Fiji and Japan.

In November, those from the so-ca

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