Latest Rugby Union International News

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Rugby Union Internationals


Every year Rugby Internationals are played by tier one, two and three nations. Sometimes, their are games across tiers as well.

Outside of the big tournaments such as the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations and Rugby Championship, other international fixtures take place that have no material affect on any tournament, however, they do count towards ranking points.

Every year, in June/July, Northern Hemisphere sides tour the three major Southern Hemisphere teams in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Generally, one team will tour each country and play a series of two or three matches.

In October/November, the roles of reversed when the Southern Hemisphere tours up north. There is no series as each team plays three or four European nations on successive weekends.

There will be a more formalised tournament in the Nations Cup taking place from 2025. In years to come, there is also hope of a global calendar where both hemispheres play at the same time.


Rugby Union Internationals Free Bets


You can take advantage for free bets with a number of online bookmakers when you open a new account. Existing customers may also be offered free bets so keep an eye out so that you can get your rugby bankroll up and running.

2026 Rugby Union International Fixtures


Fixtures for 15 November 2025

Italy vs South Africa
England vs New Zealand
Wales vs Japan
France vs Fiji
Ireland vs Australia

Fixtures for 16 November 2025

Scotland vs Argentina

Rugby Union Men's Rankings


Below is the men's rugby union rankings as of 11 November 2025.

After the matches played on 8 & 9 November, there have been some minor shifts in the rankings. Australia will be the most concerned after losing to Italy as a Scotland win this weekend coupled with an Australian defeat could see the Wallabies drop out of the top seven ahead of the World Cup draw.

South Africa increased their lead at the top while New Zealand retained second place. Ireland are under some pressure in third place and face Australia this weekend. England moved above France following their win against Fiji, coupled with the French defeat to South Africa.

A win this weekend for England against New Zealand will make put them right on the heels of Ireland, if Ireland fail to beat the Wallabies.

PositionTeamPTS
1South Africa93.06
2New Zealand91.35
3Ireland88.85
4England88.06
5France86.95
6Argentina84.30
7Australia81.69
8Scotland81.21
9Fiji81.15
10Italy78.98

Rugby Union Women's Rankings


Below is the women's Rugby Union rankings as of 31 October 2025.

Position
Team
PTS
1England98.09
2Canada91.53
3New Zealand89.85
4France83.60
5Ireland78.20
6Scotland77.39
7Australia75.46
8USA72.90
9Italy72.37
10South Africa71.62

Rugby Union Internationals FAQ

When are Rugby Union Internationals played?

Rugby Union International matches are played all year round. While matches between international sides in big tournaments such as the World Cup are also international matches, you also get incoming and outgoing tours that do not form part of any of the major tournaments. Northern Hemisphere teams normally tour the Southern Hemisphere in June while the Southern Hemisphere tour up North in October and November.

Where are Rugby Union Internationals played?

Rugby Union International matches are played all over the globe. Form Australia and New Zealand to South Africa, England, France, Wales, Ireland and Italy. The USA, Japan and many many other countries host Rugby Union International matches.

When did Rugby Union become a professional sport?

Rugby Union became a professional sport in after the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Since then the sport has taken off which has a growth in smaller rugby nations.

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