The inaugural Nations Championship returns this November, bringing together 12 of international rugby's leading nations for three more rounds of Northern Hemisphere action, with supporters invited to enjoy the tournament at Wheatley RUFC.

Taking place from Friday 6th to Saturday 21st November 2026, the Northern Hemisphere Series features 18 international fixtures, with England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy hosting opposition from across the Southern Hemisphere.

With ITV providing live coverage of the competition, Wheatley RUFC is looking forward to welcoming rugby supporters, club members, friends and the local community to the clubhouse throughout November.

WHAT IS THE NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP?

Introduced in 2026, the Nations Championship is a new international rugby union competition bringing together 12 nations from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

The competition is divided into two groups:

Northern Hemisphere
- England
- France
- Ireland
- Italy
- Scotland
- Wales

Southern Hemisphere
- Argentina
- Australia
- Fiji
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Africa

Unlike traditional international tours, the Nations Championship brings these fixtures together into a structured competition, with results contributing towards the standings in each hemisphere.

The opening three rounds were played across the Southern Hemisphere in July, with the Northern Hemisphere nations travelling overseas.

November sees the reverse arrangement, with the Southern Hemisphere teams travelling north for the final three rounds of the regular competition.

Following the conclusion of Round 6, teams will be ranked within their respective hemispheres ahead of the inaugural Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November.

ROUND 4 | FRIDAY 6TH - SUNDAY 8TH NOVEMBER

The Northern Hemisphere Series begins on Friday evening as Ireland welcome Argentina to Dublin.

Saturday features four international fixtures, including Scotland against New Zealand at Murrayfield, before England conclude the opening weekend against Australia at Twickenham on Sunday afternoon.

Friday 6th November
- 8:10pm | Ireland v Argentina

Saturday 7th November
- 11:40am | Italy v South Africa
- 2:10pm | Scotland v New Zealand
- 4:40pm | Wales v Japan
- 8:10pm | France v Fiji

Sunday 8th November
- 3:10pm | England v Australia

England's meeting with the Wallabies is one of the standout fixtures of the opening weekend, while Scotland face the challenge of the All Blacks and Italy welcome world champions South Africa.

ROUND 5 | FRIDAY 13TH - SUNDAY 15TH NOVEMBER

The second weekend begins with France hosting South Africa in Paris on Friday evening.

Saturday sees another four fixtures, including Wales against New Zealand in Cardiff and England facing Japan at Twickenham.

Scotland then welcome Australia to Murrayfield on Sunday afternoon.

Friday 13th November
- 8:10pm | France v South Africa

Saturday 14th November
- 11:40am | Italy v Argentina
- 2:10pm | Wales v New Zealand
- 4:40pm | England v Japan
- 8:10pm | Ireland v Fiji

Sunday 15th November
- 3:10pm | Scotland v Australia

With just one round remaining after this weekend, results will become increasingly important as teams look to secure the strongest possible position in their respective hemisphere standings.

ROUND 6 | SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER

The final round of the Northern Hemisphere Series takes place entirely on Saturday 21st November, with all 12 nations involved across six international fixtures.

England's meeting with New Zealand at Twickenham is among the day's headline encounters, while Ireland host South Africa in Dublin.

The final evening fixtures see France take on Argentina and Wales welcome Australia.

Saturday 21st November
- 2:10pm | England v New Zealand
- 2:10pm | Scotland v Japan
- 4:40pm | Ireland v South Africa
- 4:40pm | Italy v Fiji
- 8:10pm | France v Argentina
- 8:10pm | Wales v Australia

With several matches kicking off simultaneously, supporters should keep an eye on Wheatley RUFC's social media channels for the latest clubhouse screening arrangements.

The results will determine the final Northern and Southern Hemisphere standings and the matchups for the competition's concluding weekend.

NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS WEEKEND

Following the completion of the Northern Hemisphere Series, all 12 nations will travel to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, for the inaugural Nations Championship Finals Weekend from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November.

Teams will face the nation occupying the corresponding position in the opposite hemisphere's standings, with first playing first, second playing second and so on through to sixth.

The weekend will feature six fixtures across three days, culminating in the Nations Championship Grand Final on Sunday 29th November.

Alongside the overall championship title, results across Finals Weekend will determine whether the Northern or Southern Hemisphere wins the Hemisphere Challenge.

WATCH THE ACTION AT WHEATLEY RUFC

Wheatley RUFC welcomes rugby supporters from Wheatley, Oxford and the surrounding areas to enjoy international rugby at the clubhouse this November.

Whether you regularly follow international rugby, have previously played the game or simply want to enjoy an afternoon or evening at your local rugby club, we would be pleased to welcome you.

The Nations Championship provides an opportunity to bring people together around the game while introducing more of the local community to Wheatley RUFC.

All fixtures are being broadcast in the UK through ITV's coverage of the Nations Championship.

Please follow the club's social media channels for further information about match screenings and clubhouse arrangements.

GET INVOLVED WITH WHEATLEY RUFC

As Wheatley RUFC continues its efforts to rebuild senior rugby at the club, we are always keen to welcome new and returning players.

Whether you are an experienced player, returning after time away from rugby or interested in trying the sport for the first time, there is an opportunity to get involved.

Senior training takes place every Tuesday evening at 7:15pm, with players of all experience levels welcome.

Club Location
Wheatley RUFC
Holton Playing Fields
Holton, Wheatley
Oxfordshire
OX33 1QL

For more information about the club, training or getting involved, please get in touch through the Wheatley RUFC website.

We look forward to welcoming you to Wheatley RUFC throughout November for the 2026 Nations Championship.

All kick-off times are UK time (GMT). Fixtures and broadcasting arrangements are subject to change.