The current state of English rugby presents a striking study in contrasts. On one side, the Red Roses continue to operate as a global powerhouse, maintaining a grip on the women’s game that feels almost permanent. On the other, Steve Borthwick’s men are navigating a period of profound introspection and rebuilding following a bruising campaign in the north.
For supporters tracking the latest England rugby union fixtures: upcoming matches for the men’s and women’s teams, the 2026 calendar offers two very different narratives. While the men seek redemption through a novel global competition format, the women are chasing history, aiming for an unprecedented eighth consecutive Six Nations title.
The urgency for the men’s squad is palpable. The 2026 Six Nations served as a sobering wake-up call, with the team recording their worst-ever finish in the competition. With only a single victory to their name, Borthwick’s side finished fifth, leaving the squad and the fans searching for answers. The focus now shifts toward the inaugural World Rugby Nations Championship, a new structural attempt to bring more consistency and high-stakes competition to the international game.
Conversely, the Red Roses enter their next phase with the confidence of World Champions. Their dominance has transformed the landscape of the women’s game in England, turning every Six Nations appearance into a quest for perfection. Following their championship run, they will transition into the new-look WXV Global Series, bringing world-class rugby to diverse venues across the country.
A New Era for the Men: The Nations Championship
The transition to the World Rugby Nations Championship represents a significant shift in how England will test itself against the world’s elite. Rather than the traditional scattergun approach of autumn tours, this inaugural competition provides a more structured environment to gauge progress.
The summer leg begins with a daunting trip to the high altitude of Johannesburg, followed by a rare home fixture in Liverpool that aims to expand the game’s footprint beyond the traditional heartlands. The campaign then concludes in the southern hemisphere before returning to the home turf of Twickenham for a high-octane autumn stretch.
Men’s International Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 4 | South Africa | Ellis Park, Johannesburg |
| July 11 | Fiji | Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool |
| July 18 | Argentina | Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades |
| Nov 8 | Australia | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham |
| Nov 14-15 | Japan | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham |
| Nov 21 | New Zealand | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham |
While kick-off times for these matches remain to be confirmed by World Rugby, the schedule is designed to test England’s resilience in three different hemispheres within a single calendar year.
The Red Roses’ Quest for Eight
For the England women, the objective is clear: maintain the dynasty. The Red Roses are not merely playing for a trophy; they are playing to solidify a legacy. The 2026 Women’s Six Nations will be a grueling test of depth and mental fortitude as opponents look to dismantle the English machine.
The tournament begins at Twickenham before moving to Edinburgh and Bristol, eventually taking the squad to the tactical battlegrounds of Parma and Bordeaux. The finale against France in Bordeaux is widely regarded as the “real” final, given the fierce rivalry and the narrow margins that have defined these clashes in recent years.
Women’s Six Nations 2026 Fixtures
- April 11: England v Ireland – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (2.25pm BST)
- April 18: Scotland v England – Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh (1.30pm BST)
- April 25: England v Wales – Ashton Gate, Bristol (2.15pm BST)
- May 9: Italy v England – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (2.00pm BST)
- May 17: France v England – Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux (4.45pm BST)
Following the Six Nations, the focus shifts to the WXV Global Series. This competition is a pivotal step in the professionalization of the women’s game, providing a global platform for the top-ranked nations. England will host three critical matches, including a clash with the Black Ferns that is expected to draw a record crowd.
WXV Global Series Schedule
- September 12: England v Australia – CorpAcq Stadium, Salford (3.00pm BST)
- September 19: England v Canada – Sandy Park, Exeter (3.00pm BST)
- September 26: England v New Zealand – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (3.00pm BST)
The decision to host games in Salford and Exeter underscores the RFU’s strategy to decentralize the game and inspire the next generation of players outside of the London bubble.
As the 2026 season unfolds, the trajectory of English rugby will be decided by whether the men can find their footing in the new Nations Championship and if the Red Roses can withstand the mounting pressure of their own success. The next major checkpoint will be the opening match of the Women’s Six Nations on April 11, where the quest for an eighth title officially begins.
Do you think the new Nations Championship format will assist Steve Borthwick’s side recover their form? Let us understand your thoughts in the comments or share this guide with your fellow supporters.
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