“A Mini World Cup Before the Real Thing”: Scotland Stars on the Nations Championship

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: A general view as Nelson's Column is lit up for Scotland to mark 100 days until rugby union's newest global competition, Nations Championship begins at Trafalgar Square on March 23, 2026 in London, England. All roads lead to London as the inaugural Finals Weekend is held at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium in November 2026. (Photo by Karl Bridgeman/Getty Images for Nations Championship)

Bringing together Northern and Southern Hemisphere teams across the summer and autumn Test windows, the inaugural Nations Championship marks a significant evolution for international rugby. The competition will culminate in a Finals Weekend in London, offering a rare opportunity for players to consistently face the world’s best outside of the Rugby World Cup.

With anticipation building ahead of kick-off, Scotland internationals Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones and Finn Russell have shared their thoughts on what makes the new tournament so compelling.

A new level of competition

For Tuipulotu, the Nations Championship represents a long-awaited shift in the international calendar, one that brings greater regularity to fixtures between rugby’s traditional powerhouses.

“It’s pretty exciting,” he said. “Up here in the Northern Hemisphere, we sometimes only get one opportunity in November to play those teams. Now, this competition links the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and creates real rivalry.

“It gives us the chance to play those teams more frequently, which is important for the rugby calendar. It’s almost like a mini World Cup before the real thing, and with the next tournament only a couple of years away, it’s perfect timing.”

That increased level of competition is something echoed by Jones, who believes the new format raises the stakes across both international windows.

“Gone are the days where you might have a couple of summer games that don’t always carry the same edge,” he said. “Now every match matters. You’re playing the top teams in the world, there are points on the line, and teams will be putting out their strongest sides.

“It links the summer and November windows as well. If you’ve had a bad run, you’ve still got a chance to turn things around, so there’s always something to play for. It’s more competitive, for sure.”

Global rivalries and contrasting styles

One of the most exciting elements of the competition is the chance to see contrasting rugby styles go head-to-head more regularly.

“Growing up, I remember watching the Bledisloe Cup and the Tri Nations,” Tuipulotu said. “To now have those Southern Hemisphere teams involved in a major competition with us up north is really exciting.

“There’s a contrast in styles as well. The way teams play in the Northern Hemisphere compared to the Southern Hemisphere can be quite different, and even the conditions play a part. It might be hot when we go down there, and cold and wet when they come here, so seeing how teams adapt will be great for fans.”

Jones agrees that this global element is key to the tournament’s appeal.

“You’re going to see the best players in the world going up against each other, and that’s what fans want,” he said. “There’s a structure to it as well—a schedule, a table, something you can follow. That builds excitement between games as well as during them.”

More than just Test matches

For players, the Nations Championship also transforms the nature of traditional international windows, turning standalone fixtures into part of a broader, meaningful competition.

“It’s gone from being a few friendlies in the summer and November to something where you have to be at your best every week,” said Russell. “That level of competition across the whole year will be great for players and for the development of every nation involved.

“For rugby as a whole, it’s a really positive step forward.”

The expanded format also brings new experiences, with travel and fixtures offering opportunities players may not otherwise encounter.

“I’ve never been to Argentina, so that’s one I’m really looking forward to if I’m involved,” Russell added. “And playing teams like South Africa away, with full crowds, is something special. Then coming back to play at home in the summer is brilliant for the fans as well.”

A festival finale in London

The competition will conclude with a Finals Weekend in London, designed to be more than just a series of matches.

“It’s going to be an amazing occasion, especially in the first year,” said Russell. “There’ll be a great atmosphere, not just for the rugby but everything around it. It’ll feel like a proper event.

“I’d definitely recommend getting along, whether you’re a rugby fan or not, it’ll be a great weekend.”

Jones expects strong travelling support, particularly from Scotland fans.

“Wherever we go, we always feel that backing,” he said. “You see it before the game, around the stadium, and you feel it during matches. London’s not too far, so I’m sure plenty will make the trip, but it’s a global competition, so you’ll have fans coming from everywhere.”

With increased competition, global rivalries and a clear narrative running across the international calendar, the Nations Championship promises to reshape Test rugby. And with a festival-style Finals Weekend on the horizon, this new era of the game is only just getting started.