Rugby union’s new Nations Championship kicks off on 4 July.
It’s a first-of-its-kind northern versus southern hemisphere international competition to settle the argument of which is better.
The tournament sees the global rugby calendar align for the first time ever, while giving international teams something to play for.
Welsh rugby legend Sam Warburton said: “There is always an undercurrent of who’s better, north or south?
“We usually have to wait every four years, but here we can confirm it in black and white.”
The first three weekends are played in the the southern hemisphere, before coming back to the northern hemisphere in November for the another three weekends, followed by the finals weekend at Allianz Stadium.
Warburton added: “In this championship there is more jeopardy, more pressure.
“That’s what international rugby should be about.”
England start their Nation Championship in Johannesburg against South Africa, the back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions.
After an underwhelming Guinness Six Nations campaign, England will be approaching the Springboks looking to make a statement – even if they are without their captain Maro Itoje.
England later go on to play Fiji and Argentina in this first series of games.
Some of the middle-tier nations on the other side of the world have been trying to get some high quality game time against top nations for a long time.
Finally, they have the opportunity to showcase themselves consistently with a stretch of games over an aligned period.
Fiji dramatically beat Wales 24-19 at the Principality in last year’s Nations Series.
Although the islanders are famously known for the flair they showcase in rugby sevens, Fiji are establishing themselves as a very strong 15s nation too.
Warburton said, “Fiji are going to progress the quickest with this consistent game time.
“They’ve had the domestic exposure with the formation of the Drua and now they’re going to get the international exposure.
“Teams like Japan and Fiji might be able to dip into the top six world rankings at someone moment in time.
“That’s what we want.”
This new worldwide tournament will be great for those watching at home.
A full day of rugby, watching the best battle the best is a true fan’s dream.
It will also provide a great opportunity for fans to travel to various cities around the world.
How players cope with the longer travelling hours in the southern hemisphere will be interesting to witness.
This great opportunity to play a more diverse array of teams has been welcomed by all as it provides a structure to the international rugby format.
The Rugby World Cup Cup takes place in Australia next year and this Nations Championship will be a worldwide statement of teams finding out how one another is developing.
Feature image: Izzy Brider
Join the discussion