Five alternative November Tests rugby fans shouldn't overlook

The Quilter Nations Series will serve up a long list of blockbuster games, but there are more than a few November Test fixtures outside that competition that deserve a close look.

With the World Cup draw taking centre stage, nations around the world will be looking to bank points and climb higher in the World Rugby rankings ladder to secure the best possible pool.

Here are five clashes from the November Test window that you’ll want to keep an eye on.

Portugal v Canada (22 November)

Portugal and Canada are set to clash in November, marking the fifth meeting between the two sides, with the record favouring the Maple Leafs.

Fixture

Internationals

Portugal

33 - 27

Full-time

Canada

All Stats and Data

Although Portugal managed to defeat Canada for the first time in their last encounter, the North American side have been on an upward curve, qualifying for the next Rugby World Cup without any hiccups and beating the Eagles in the process.

With both teams expected to call on their top squads, Canada appear to be in a better place, displaying a more reliable set-piece and a menacing counter-attack capable of inflicting points in quick succession.

For Portugal, after a disappointing Rugby Europe Championship campaign and a 100-point defeat against Ireland, they will be desperate for a turnaround and keen to show the rugby world they can still perform at a high level.

Scheduled for November 22 at the Estádio Cidade de Coimbra, the fixture will play a critical role in both sides’ World Rugby rankings, so expect a contest of high intensity.

Star clash: Nicolás Martins v Tyler Ardron. Two of the best jacklers in world rugby go head-to-head for the first (and perhaps final) time. Who has the edge — the young virtuoso or the seasoned maestro?

Georgia v Japan (22 November)

Can Richard Cockerill’s Georgia pull off another upset when they host Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms on November 22? Or have the Brave Blossoms gelled enough to overcome one of the most ferocious sides in the game?

Fixture

Internationals

Georgia

23 - 25

Full-time

Japan

All Stats and Data

With the World Rugby rankings on the line, this match-up will be crucial for both teams’ World Cup prospects, adding an extra layer of spice to a modern blockbuster.

The Lelos came out on top the last time the two sides met, squeezing out a 25–23 win at Sendai’s Yurtec Stadium, with Luka Matkava putting in a spectacular 10-point performance.

Japan have made significant strides in the last 12 months, finishing second in the Pacific Nations Cup and picking up a win against Wales in the summer. As expected with any side coached by Eddie Jones, Japan have upgraded their set-piece to become a serious threat to most opposition, making the November clash even more compelling.

The historic Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi will provide the stage for what is expected to be a tense and physical contest.

Star clash: Luka Matkava v Lee Seung-sin. In such a tightly contested match, the goal-kickers could prove decisive — but who would you back? The Georgian razzle-dazzle king or the blazing sharpshooter of the Rising Sun?

Spain v Fiji (22 November)

Spain v Fiji has become a staple of the November Test window, with the two nations having clashed twice in the last four years — and now heading for a third contest this November.

Fixture

Internationals

Spain

33 - 41

Full-time

Fiji

All Stats and Data

Despite the Flying Fijians holding an unblemished record, last year’s fixture produced plenty of drama, as Los Leones went into half-time in the lead and pushed their Pacific guests to the limit.

Spain have enjoyed an impressive run since Pablo Bouza took charge, claiming victories over Tonga, Portugal, the United States and Uruguay, reclaiming their place as Rugby Europe Championship runners-up. A win against Fiji would cement their growth to an unprecedented level — but is now the right time?

Fiji, under Mick Byrne’s leadership, came close to beating the Wallabies in July and convincingly defeated Wales, Georgia and Japan over the past year, consolidating ninth place in the World Rugby rankings.

Málaga’s iconic La Rosaleda Stadium will host the fixture on November 22.

Star clash: Joel Merkler v Eroni Mawi. Giant, voracious loosehead versus behemoth, powerful tighthead — what’s not to like? While it’s uncertain whether either will be available for selection, a Merkler–Mawi scrum battle could live long in the memory.

Uruguay v All Blacks XV (15 November)

Although it won’t have any impact on the World Rugby rankings, Uruguay facing the All Blacks XV will undoubtedly raise a few eyebrows and deliver a superb contest for rugby fans.

After qualifying for the 2027 World Cup in style, the Teros are now focused on increasing their squad depth and producing more high-level players under Rodolfo Ambrosio to strengthen their position in the global game.

The All Blacks XV present a test of considerable proportions, one that will push Uruguay’s physicality and defensive structure to the limit, offering a clearer picture of where they stand two years out from the World Cup.

At the same time, facing the All Blacks XV is a mark of recognition — a chance that must inspire the Teros to fight for the win.

Set for November 15 at Montpellier’s GGL Stadium, Uruguay v All Blacks XV is a clash well worth your time.

Star clash: To be confirmed.

Romania v USA (15 November)

One of rugby’s oldest rivalries resumes when Romania host the USA in Bucharest. The nations first met in 1919, with the Americans winning that opener, but the Romanians have turned the tables in recent years, winning the last three encounters.

Fixture

Internationals

Romania

18 - 26

Full-time

USA

All Stats and Data

As both sides have qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, their focus now turns to the rankings — with the Romanians sitting 21st and the USA in 15th.

The Stejarii finished third in this year’s Rugby Europe Championship, their best showing since 2021. However, their last tour to South America was marred by disappointing performances and heavy defeats against Chile and Uruguay.

The Eagles, meanwhile, qualified for the World Cup but suffered mixed results along the way — beating Spain, Portugal and Samoa but losing to Tonga, Canada and Romania.

Beyond its historical weight, this fixture offers both teams the chance to exorcise recent demons. Expect a fierce, full-blooded contest.

The Stadionul Arcul de Triumf will stage the match on November 15.

Star clash: Jason Tomane v Dominic Besag. Pure, raw physicality bottled inside two of the strongest centres in the emerging nations scene. Tomane and Besag going head-to-head promises a turf-shaking collision – one that could set the tone for the entire match.