Overview
- World Rugby confirms 52 matches across seven Australian cities, with both semi-finals and the November 13 final at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
- Marquee pool fixtures include Australia vs New Zealand on October 9 in Sydney, England vs Wales on October 16 in Sydney, and Ireland vs Scotland on October 10 in Perth.
- England’s Pool F path starts against Tonga on October 2 in Brisbane before Zimbabwe on October 8 in Adelaide, with the Wales clash closing their pool campaign.
- Governing body chair Brett Robinson defends the Australia–Hong Kong opener as a choice to grow the game, noting strong demand for opening matches and more equitable rest periods between fixtures.
- Six Nations build-up highlights England’s 11-Test winning run and renewed title push as Jamie George captains against Wales with Maro Itoje on the bench, France welcome back Antoine Dupont after injury, and Ireland juggle injuries plus Bundee Aki’s six-week suspension.