Rugby chiefs on Monday officially launched the Nations Championship, a global competition featuring 12 of the strongest teams that will crown a winning nation and decide the sport¡¯s dominant hemisphere.

Organizers said that the new biennial tournament signaled a ¡°watershed moment for rugby union, years in the making¡°, and would transform the two existing international playing windows, in July and November.

The Nations Championship, which starts in July 2026, will replace ad-hoc tours and one-off tests, giving more meaning to internationals played outside of major tournaments.