New Zealand rugby union coach; appointed All Blacks head coach in 2026
Six nations teams start the Nations Championship by facing off against southern teams in July, with Scotland playing Argentina in Córdoba and a slate of matchups that will define the tournament’s early tone. The inaugural event will be broadcast on ITV and STV in the UK, with daily live coverage.
Ireland has beaten Australia before and aims to start the Nations Championship strongly with matches against Japan and New Zealand on the horizon. Joe Schmidt bows out to Les Kiss with Australia eyeing a home World Cup in 2027 as Andy Farrell seeks a return victory in Sydney.
France winger Damian Penaud has been ruled out of the Nations Championship matches this month due to a calf injury sustained in the opening defeat to New Zealand. He will miss games against Australia and Japan as France confirms his withdrawal from the squad.