World Rugby Announces New Biennial International Tournament Featuring Top Nations

A new biennial international rugby tournament featuring top teams from the Six Nations and SANZAAR will debut in 2026.
The tournament will take place in alternating years between British and Irish Lions tours and the Rugby World Cup.
Teams from the northern hemisphere will travel south for three July tests and host three November tests.
A second-tier competition for emerging nations will also be created with promotion and relegation between divisions.
The new competition aims to increase competitiveness in the July and November test windows but will not disrupt domestic club schedules or player welfare.