Overview
- Debut slate confirmed for 4 July 2026, with New Zealand v France, Australia v Ireland and South Africa v England headlining the opening weekend.
- The 12‑team format pairs the Six Nations sides against South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Japan and Fiji across three July Tests and three November Tests.
- Finals Weekend will run 27–29 November 2026 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with six north‑v‑south placing matches culminating in a title decider and a hemisphere trophy.
- Fiji will stage designated home fixtures at neutral venues, including in South Africa, and England face a heavy July travel schedule with tight turnarounds and no fallow weeks.
- Organisers say broadcast and sponsorship rights will be pooled to unlock significant new revenue, with a second‑tier competition planned and promotion‑relegation targeted around 2030.