England's rugby union team is set for a monumental challenge next summer, launching their first-ever Nations Championship campaign with a high-stakes tour to South Africa. The team will face the two-time defending world champions, the Springboks, in what promises to be a thrilling start to the new global competition.
A Formidable Opening Fixture
The opening match is likely to be held at the iconic Ellis Park in Johannesburg, a venue steeped in rugby history. This encounter will be only the second meeting between the two sides since their intense 2023 World Cup semi-final clash. England last toured South Africa in 2018, making this a long-awaited return for fans and players alike.
Under the guidance of head coach Steve Borthwick, the squad will not play the Springboks in the upcoming autumn internationals, adding to the anticipation for next year's showdown. The team's summer schedule also includes fixtures against Fiji and Argentina, forming a challenging trio of matches.
Tournament Structure and Logistics
The new 12-team Nations Championship, which will be held every two years, represents a significant shift from traditional summer tours. The competition format splits the teams into two conferences: one featuring the Six Nations sides and another comprising the four Sanzaar nations (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina) plus Japan and Fiji.
In a move designed to minimise travel, England's match against Fiji is also scheduled to take place in South Africa. This decision came despite Fiji's preference to play the game in Europe, either in France or at Twickenham. The expectation is that England will play their first two matches in South Africa before travelling to Argentina, where they played two Tests last summer.
Broader Tournament Implications
Next summer will see three of the Six Nations teams – England, Scotland, and Wales – all playing the same three opponents. Meanwhile, France, Italy, and Ireland will travel to face New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. Matches involving Japan are expected to be held in either New Zealand or Australia for logistical efficiency.
The tournament's structure ensures a rotation of fixtures, meaning that next autumn, England will host the All Blacks – whom they defeated at Twickenham last Saturday for the first time in 13 years – as well as Australia and Japan. Points will be accumulated across both the summer and autumn windows, culminating in a finals day at Twickenham next November.
Tom Harrison, Chief Executive of Six Nations Rugby, emphasised the competition's significance, stating: "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. 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."
This new championship format promises to bring a fresh, competitive structure to the international rugby calendar, offering fans more consistent high-stakes matches between the world's top teams.
