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'The only thing he can improve’: Boks' one concern over SFM before RWC
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'Fans want to know': All Blacks boss on Nations Championship fixtures
By Josh Raisey
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson has said that fans will finally find out “who the best team is between World Cups,” after the schedule for the 2026 Nations Championship was announced.
The All Blacks will host France, Italy and Ireland next July to start their Nations Championship Southern Series, which will be part of a 13-Test year for the side.
They will conclude their Nations Championship campaign with the Northern Series, where they will travel to take on Scotland, Wales and lastly England, who recently defeated Scott Robertson’s side 33-19 at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
Following those three fixtures, they will take part in the Nations Championship finals weekend between November 27-29 at Twickenham, which will feature all 12 teams in six play-off matches.
Robertson is relishing the challenge that the new competition brings, saying it now adds “extra significance” to the clashes with the Northern Hemisphere.
“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,” he said after the fixtures were announced.
“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.”
CEO Robinson added: “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.”
