Meet the opponents: Scotland’s Nations Championship journey

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 07: Scotland Team Huddle during a Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and France at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on March 07, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The launch of the Nations Championship establishes a fully-integrated global Test calendar, directly linking July’s Southern Series to November’s Northern Series. For the first time, traditional summer tours and autumn internationals are replaced by a structured, six-round competitive league where every result impacts a singular table. The campaign culminates in an end-of-year finals weekend in London, where teams from the Northern and Southern hemispheres face off according to their league standings to determine the ultimate champion.

Individual tickets and match packages are available for all of Scotland’s home games at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. Buy here.

Argentina

• Saturday 4 July, 8:10pm, Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba

Scotland Men open their Nations Championship campaign in Córdoba against a strong Argentina side, looking to rectify the defeat they suffered in last year’s Autumn Tests. Matches between these two nations have historically been close, with Scotland slightly edging the head-to-head over the last decade of encounters. Facing Los Pumas on home soil provides an immediate physical benchmark for Gregor Townsend’s side in Round One of the new tournament structure.

[PICTURED] A scrum during a match between Scotland and Argentina at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on November 16, 2025.

South Africa

• Saturday 11 July, 4:40pm, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Round Two sees Scotland travel to the high-altitude environment of Pretoria to face the reigning World Champion Springboks. This fixture marks the first time Scotland will play at the famous Loftus Versfeld Stadium, and it represents their first Test match on South African soil since 2014. Having fell short against the Springboks’ physical defensive system at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in late 2024, this away test stands as one of the most demanding challenges on the international calendar.

[PICTURED] Scotland’s Rory Darge tackles South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth during a match between Scotland and South Africa at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on November 10, 2024.

Fiji

• Saturday 18 July, 2:10pm, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Although designated as an away fixture for the tournament structure, Fiji will bring their home match to Edinburgh to conclude the July series. While Scotland recorded a decisive 57-17 victory during the Flying Fijians’ last visit to the capital in 2022, the island nation claimed the most recent bragging rights with a 15-point victory in Suva last summer.

[PICTURED] Scotland’s Duhan Van Der Merwe in action during a match between Scotland and Fiji at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on November 02, 2024.

New Zealand

• Saturday 7 November, 2:10pm, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh

The Northern Series resumes in November with the return of the All Blacks to Edinburgh. The encounter late last year was tightly contested, featuring a significant second-half recovery where Scotland overcame a 17-point deficit to draw level in the final quarter before the visitors secured a late victory. This Round Four fixture will serve as Scotland’s first home Test of the autumn leg as they seek a historic first win over the triple world champions.

[PICTURED] The New Zealand Haka at a match between Scotland and New Zealand, on November 12, 2022.

Australia

• Sunday 15 November, 3:10pm, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh

The Wallabies return to the capital as they continue their build ahead of hosting the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The last meeting between these sides in November 2024 resulted in a 27-13 victory for Scotland under the captaincy of Sione Tuipulotu. Australia, currently positioned eighth in the world rankings, one spot behind Scotland, will present a critical test as both sides battle for position in the Nations Championship tables.

[PICTURED] Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu celebrates his try during a match between Scotland and Australia at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on November 24, 2024.

Japan

• Saturday 21 November, Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh

The final round of the league phase sees Japan return to Scottish Gas Murrayfield for the first time in five years. The Brave Blossoms enter the tournament with considerable momentum, having finished as runners-up in the Pacific Nations Cup behind back-to-back winners, Fiji. With this fixture serving as the final opportunity to secure competition points before the tables lock, the result will likely directly determine Scotland’s final placing and their opponent for the grand finals weekend in London.

[PICTURED] Scotland’s Finn Russell in action during a match between Scotland and Japan on November 20, 2021.

Finals Weekend

• Friday 27 – Sunday 29 November, Allianz Stadium, London

Although we will not know who our opponent will be in London until the tables are set, fans can guarantee their spot to see Scotland play in the finals weekend with the Support Your Team Ticket. Your ticket will also include whichever other fixture features on the day.

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