World Cup nostalgia as Boks' venues for Nations Championship are confirmed
NEWS: South Africa will return to their old stomping ground as the venues for the northern leg of the Nations Championship in November have been confirmed.
The Springboks kick off the ‘Northern Series’ of the tournament – the second phase of the global competition – with fixtures against Italy, France and Ireland. The venue for the Italy clash is yet to be confirmed.
France will host the Springboks in Round Five at the famous Stade de France in Paris. The Springboks have fond memories of the venue, having won the 2023 World Cup Final at the same stadium.
That historic victory made them the first nation to win the Webb Ellis Cup four times.
Interestingly enough, the France v South Africa fixture is scheduled on Friday, November 13.
The Springboks will then travel to Dublin for Round Six to take on Ireland at the 51,711-seat Aviva Stadium on Saturday, November 21. Both fixtures are expected to draw packed stadiums for high-stakes clashes between rugby heavyweights.
Other Northern Series matchups include Scotland v Australia at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, England hosting New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, and Wales taking on Japan at the Principality Stadium.
With points, silverware, and international rankings on the line, every November fixture will carry added significance in the Nations Championship.
All roads then lead to London for the Finals Weekend from November 27-29. Fans can expect three days of double-headers at Allianz Stadium, with teams competing for the tournament’s first titles.
Each team will face their equivalently ranked opponent from the opposing hemisphere group – sixth versus sixth, all the way to first versus first – culminating in a showdown to determine the world’s top side.
Teams will also compete for points on behalf of their hemisphere, which will decide the overall Northern or Southern Hemisphere winner.
Six Nations Rugby CEO Tom Harrison said the Northern Series fixtures will build momentum toward the Finals Weekend in London.
“The Nations Championship Finals Weekend will put the very best teams and players on the world stage, creating an incredible experience unlike anything else in sport,” Harrison said.
“The major venues and cities confirmed to host the Northern Series fixtures will make the Northern Hemisphere the centre of attention for global fans before all roads lead to London for the Finals Weekend.”
SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris added: “The Nations Championship is set to deliver an incredible experience for global fans in world-class venues and in a uniquely competitive tournament format. F
“Following the July Southern Series, the SANZAAR teams will head north in November for the second half of the tournament, aiming for success against the Northern teams and an action-packed Finals Weekend in London.”
