Epic fixtures from France vs Ireland to England vs New Zealand promise drama, upsets, and new rivalries in a blockbuster season
The rugby calendar explodes with high-stakes internationals, from Six Nations openers to Nations Championship finals, drawing massive fan anticipation.
Rugby’s 2026 season buzzes with packed schedules across men’s Six Nations, Women’s Six Nations, Super Rugby Pacific, and the inaugural Nations Championship, promising thrilling clashes between traditional powers and rising nations.
Guinness Men’s Six Nations Kickoff
The Six Nations launches February 5 with France hosting Ireland at Stade de France (8:10pm GMT), followed by Italy vs Scotland and England vs Wales on February 7. Rivalries intensify with Scotland vs England at Murrayfield on February 14, and Super Saturday features England vs Ireland, Wales vs Scotland, and France vs Italy. Final weekend peaks March 14 with triple-headers, including Ireland vs Scotland, Wales vs Italy, and France vs England.
These fixtures set the tone for European dominance amid format tweaks and emerging talents.
Women’s Six Nations Expansion
Women’s action starts April 11 with France vs Italy, England vs Ireland, and Wales vs Scotland. Key battles include Scotland vs England on April 18, England vs Wales on April 25, and climactic France vs England on May 17 in Bordeaux. Broadcasts highlight growing parity and athleticism in the sport.
Nations Championship: New Era of Test Rugby
World Rugby’s Nations Championship debuts with July pools: South Africa vs England, New Zealand vs France on July 4; progressing to semifinals. November intensifies with England vs Australia, Ireland vs Argentina, culminating November 21-29 at Twickenham in North vs South finals across rankings. This tournament reshapes global rankings with 12 nations split into hemispheres.
Standouts include England vs New Zealand (Nov 21), France vs South Africa, and Wales vs Australia
Super Rugby Pacific and Regional Action
Super Rugby Pacific opens February 13-14 with Crusaders in Round 1 action, Moana Pasifika in Round 2 (Feb 20), spanning 15 rounds of trans-Tasman intensity. Rugby Europe Championship features Belgium vs Portugal (Feb 7), while Americas nations like Canada, USA, Chile, and Uruguay gear up for Nations Cup ties against Georgia in July/November.
Autumn Nations Series previews loom, with England vs New Zealand and Ireland vs South Africa on Nov 21.
Why These Games Are Trending
Social media hypes Six Nations openers for historic upsets potential, Nations Championship for its World Cup qualifier vibe, and Super Rugby for Pacific flair. Fans eye underdogs like Italy, Fiji, and Japan amid star retirements and coaching shifts, making 2026 a pivotal year bridging to 2027 Rugby World Cup cycles.
