World Rugby statement: November's Nations Cup fixtures

World Rugby has confirmed the fixture schedule for the second phase of the inaugural Nations Cup, with 18 matches to be played across Europe and Hong Kong between November 6 and 21.

Pool A consists of Canada, Chile, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay and the USA. Pool B includes Georgia, Hong Kong China, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Zimbabwe.

Teams play every nation from the opposite pool across the two international windows. At the conclusion of the six-round schedule, the team finishing top of each pool will be crowned inaugural Nations Cup champions.

After three rounds in July, the USA lead Pool A and European heavyweights Georgia top Pool B. Both sides are unbeaten after three matches.

Uruguay and Zimbabwe are the only teams yet to record a victory.

The July phase included a 42-42 draw between Canada and Spain, described by World Rugby as the highest-scoring draw in Test history, while Hong Kong China claimed a notable win over World Cup regulars Uruguay.

The November programme begins on November 6 when Romania host Tonga in Bucharest. The following day sees Georgia face Canada in Tbilisi, Portugal host Chile in Lisbon, Zimbabwe play Samoa in Wakefield and Spain take on Uruguay in Madrid. Hong Kong China host the USA on November 8 in Bourg-en-Bresse, France.

Zimbabwe’s designated home fixtures will be played in England and France during the November window. Hong Kong China will also stage two home matches in France before returning home to face Tonga at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground on November 21.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The opening chapter of the World Rugby Nations Cup in the Americas delivered exactly what this competition was created to provide, compelling, competitive and meaningful rugby, with high-scoring drama, historic moments and nail-biting finishes that captured the imagination of fans around the world.

“November now promises a thrilling climax, with 18 fixtures across Europe and Hong Kong, 12 ambitious teams chasing silverware, and two inaugural Nations Cup titles on the line. For every union involved, this is more than a competition, it is an important step on the journey to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, providing the intensity, certainty and opportunity they need to grow, inspire and perform on the world stage.

“We look forward to seeing which teams seize the moment and make history as the first World Rugby Nations Cup champions.”

One fixture of particular interest comes on November 21 when Portugal host Uruguay in Lisbon. The sides are also set to meet at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, where a place in the round of 16 could be at stake.

The Nations Cup forms part of the wider Nations Championship structure, which aims to provide the game’s top 24 men’s teams with a regular schedule of competitive internationals ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

The competition features 12 unions that have already qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.