All Blacks Nations Championship opponents announced as new global competition confirmed

The All Blacks will kick-off the Nations Championship era by hosting France, Italy and Ireland as they embark on an epic 2026 schedule that will include a total of 17 matches, including 13 Tests.

The inaugural Nations Championship draw has been unveiled as the Southern and Northern Hemisphere’s collide every two years in a 12-team, two-pool tournament format, including the Six Nations, SANZAAR nations, Japan and Fiji.

After hosting three Northern rivals in July the All Blacks will head North in November to play Wales, Scotland and England, before taking part in the Nations Championship Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium in London, featuring all 12 teams in six playoff matches, from 27-29 November GMT. Venues and kick off times for the All Blacks home schedule will be announced in due course.

Fans can register their interest in securing tickets to the Finals Weekend now by visiting the new Nations Championship website, which includes the full tournament draw.

By the end of 2026 the All Blacks will have played Tests against eight different nations. This includes four Tests against the Springboks and four matches against South Africa’s United Rugby Championship teams as part of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) through August and September, and a Bledisloe Cup series against Australia in October.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson said the Nations Championship would bring an edge to the traditional Test windows for both players and fans in what would be an epic international season.

“We’re entering a new era for international rugby and this is an incredible schedule for players and fans when you consider the Nations Championship, RGR and a Bledisloe Cup series spread across five months. Fans want to know who the best team is between World Cups, and the Nations Championship will deliver a champion.

“On the home front we are really pleased to host France, Italy and Ireland to start the Nations Championship era and to continue the home and away Bledisloe Cup rivalry. Every team will be out to put points on the tournament leaderboard early in the season with the goal of playing in the first Nations Championship final.”

All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said:

"It’s a unique season when you consider all the elements, including the tours we have ahead of us and the chance to host France, Italy, Ireland and Australia in the same year. Each Test we play against our Northern Hemisphere rivals will take on extra significance with Nations Championship competition points on the line as teams vie for a place in the inaugural Northern Hemisphere vs Southern Hemisphere Final. There is a lot for the team and fans to get excited about in this schedule.”

All Blacks 2026 Nations Championship schedule

*Dates are NZST

Nations Championship Southern Series

Saturday, 4 July
v France
Saturday, 11 July
v Italy
Saturday, 18 July
v Ireland

Nations Championship Northern Series

Sunday, 8 November
v Scotland
Sunday, 15 November
v Wales
Sunday, 22 November
v England

Nations Championship Finals Weekend

28-30 November, Allianz Stadium, London.