The Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) has officially announced its support for the launch of the Nations Championship, a revolutionary international tournament debuting in 2026 that promises to forever change the global calendar. Organized by Six Nations and SANZAAR, the event will pit teams from the northern hemisphere against those from the southern hemisphere during July and November windows. The format will include the six teams of Six Nations—Scotland, France, Wales, England, Ireland, and Italy—against the four powerhouses of SANZAAR—Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa—plus the invited teams of Fiji and Japan, who will join the southern group. Each nation will play six matches, three at home and three away, facing exclusively rivals from the opposite hemisphere. The inaugural edition will conclude with an unprecedented finals weekend at London's Allianz Stadium, featuring three consecutive days of action and decisive matches. Gabriel Travaglini, president of the UAR, highlighted the significance of the event: "It is a historic step for world rugby. We trust that Argentina will rise to the challenge, representing our passion and building a path of constant growth for the entire region." The schedule for the Pumas in the 2026 Nations Championship is already set and promises an electrifying start. In July, Argentina will host Scotland (4/7), Wales (11/7), and England (18/7), while in November, they will begin a demanding European tour against Ireland (7/11), Italy (14/11), and France (21/11). The first edition of the tournament will formally begin on July 4, 2026, although venues and specific kick-off times for all matches are yet to be confirmed.
