World Rugby confirms Championship schedule

WORLD Rugby has announced the fixtures for next year’s inaugural Nations Championship, which has been described as a “tectonic shift” in the sport.

- DUNCAN BECH

ealand will square up again on November 15 Javier Garcia/Shutterstock

‘The new biennial 12-team tournament will be contested by the northern and southern hemisphere sides to decide which is the dominant force, with ‘Finals Weekend’ to be held at London’s Allianz Stadium next November.

Six rounds of matches will take place in the summer and autumn before three doubleheader fixture days on November 27-29 will determine which nation is crowned champion.

“The Nations Championship has the power to redefine the future of rugby, and the partnership between Six Nations Rugby and SANZAAR signals a tectonic shift in the sport,” said Six Nations chief executive Tom Harrison.

“Rugby’s strongest nations have collaborated with a clear vision to grow the game, by challenging traditional ways of operating to create a tournament structure with genuine global relevance, which will unlock the true value of the sport.