At the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the four best sides in the world by a considerable margin - and ranked in the top four as such - were Ireland, South Africa, France and New Zealand. Yet, all four ended up on the same side of the draw and met in the quarter-finals.
England will face Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Rugby's key dates, fixtures and schedule for 2026: England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Red Roses, Six Nations, Nations Championship summer and Autumn Tests, Women's Six Nations.
New Zealand kicked on to blow Wales away 52-26 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, as Welsh hopes were extinguished despite Tom Rogers' hat-trick.
Harri Deaves will complete his journey from roofer to Wales international against New Zealand on Saturday, as Louis Rees-Zammit starts again.
It's been labelled a "tectonic shift", set to shake up the world of rugby union, but what is the Nations Championship - and how will it revolutionise the game? Here's all you need to know…
England arrested a 13-year wait for victory over New Zealand on home soil with a statement 33-19 victory at a rejoicing Twickenham.
England have not beaten the All Blacks at Twickenham since December 1, 2012 but in the 13 years that have followed they won the most important meeting of all between the sides.
England have made seven changes to their starting team for Saturday's Autumn Nations Series match against New Zealand, with Fin Smith missing out on the squad.
For South Africa's 'bomb squad', now read England's 'Pom squad', as revealed by full-back Freddie Steward to Sky Sports this week.
A Scotland comeback from 17 points behind in search of a historic first victory over New Zealand fell short on Saturday, as the All Blacks broke Scottish hearts to win 25-17 late on.
Captain Caelan Doris returns for Ireland as one of eight changes to the side to face Japan in Dublin on Saturday.
Duhan van der Merwe, Jamie Ritchie and Zander Fagerson are all notable absentees from Scotland's 23-man squad for Saturday's Murrayfield showdown with New Zealand.
New Zealand's All Blacks earned their Chicago revenge on Saturday with a 26-13 victory at Soldier Field after a highly controversial Tadhg Beirne 20-minute red card.
Jack Crowley has been restored as Ireland's starting fly-half for Saturday's clash against New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago in the headline team news on Andy Farrell's return.
November 5, 2016 - the date when Ireland and New Zealand's rugby rivalry changed forever at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Caelan Doris is expected to lead Ireland against the All Blacks in Chicago on Saturday after being confirmed as fit for the Soldier Field fixture.
Full schedule for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series, as England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France welcome New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina.
©2026 Sky UK
