NORTH v SOUTH

A BRITISH invasion is heading to Mzansi in 2026 after World Rugby announced that England, Scotland and Wales will face the Springboks in an exciting nuwe competition called the Nations Championship.

The Sanzaar nations – South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina – plus invitational teams Japan and Fiji, will represent the southern hemisphere in the new competition, played in the two existing international windows in July and November, against the Six Nations teams England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

All 12 nations will compete for points – four for a win, two for a draw, zero for a loss, and bonus points for scoring four or more tries and losing by seven points or fewer – to determine the standings in their respective groups.

Following the six rounds, the Nations Championship will culminate in a first-of-its-kind finals weekend, which will be hosted at Twickenham in November next year.

England will face the Boks on 4 July, before the world champions tackle Scotland a week later and Wales the following week.

Venues for the three games have not been confirmed yet, but according to a Daily Voice source, Loftus is the favourite to host the Bok v Poms clash.

Mbombela Stadium could host either the Scotland or Welsh clash with the Daily Voice source saying: “I’m told our Polokwane municipality are in talks with Saru to bring the Springboks over to Polokwane, the meeting is scheduled to be held [later] this month.”

Of the new concept SA Rugby chief executive, Rian Oberholzer wysed: “The Nations Championship will transform the existing international windows in July and November, which means every Test will now count for more than just bragging rights and world ranking points.

“This new competition changes the global game as we know it, and from SA Rugby and the Springboks’ side, we are very excited about what the future holds.”