Six Nations announce new 12-team competition to begin

Six Nations bosses have officially announced a new international tournament is set to begin in 2src26.

The biennial competition will feature all teams from the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship in the southern hemisphere, while two other countries, likely to be Japan and Fiji initially, will also be invited.

Six Nations Rugby confirmed it is working with SANZAAR, the organisation which includes South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, on a new competition to take place in the existing July and November international windows. The Six Nations Championship will remain as it is.

The ‘Nations Championship’ tournament will take place in alternating years, between British and Irish Lions tours and the Rugby World Cup. Reports suggest the autumn international window could be extended to four weekends to allow for a Grand Final, with the Six Nations Championship being cut from seven weeks to six weeks.

Six Nations Rugby insist players have been heavily involved in the process, amid growing concerns over burnout and calls for greater focus on rest and recovery periods between domestic and international commitments.

It said in a statement: “Involved at every stage of developing the new competition has been the international rugby players.

“This connection has been key in supporting the wider conversations around the club and internat