London will host the final of the new Nations Championship in 2026, born to break new ground
SportsIn
October 18, 2024

‘The Guardian’ has revealed that rugby’s top authorities have reached an agreement to stage the Nations Championship, a biennial competition that will mark the global expansion of the sport. The first final will be held in London in 2026, followed by Qatar in 2028, and potentially the United States in 2030.

The deal, expected to be signed later this month, establishes Twickenham as the venue for the inaugural final, seen as a crucial compromise to address concerns that rugby is being sold to the highest bidder. Qatar had initially aimed to host the first four finals, but its bid was blocked by the Irish and French unions over concerns about attendance and the country’s human rights record.

QATAR: A KEY PLAYER IN RUGBY’S GROWTH

Despite the initial opposition, the agreement allows Qatar to host the 2028 final, with the possibility of repeating in 2032 if certain commercial and media targets are met. Financial projections indicate that the profits from hosting in Qatar will be three times greater than those in London, making the Gulf nation a key partner in securing the funds necessary to finance this new international competition.

The deal also includes the option of taking the 2030 final to the United States, with New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium emerging as one of the frontrunners. This shift towards North America aligns with the need to promote rugby in the two fastest-growing markets—Middle East and the United States—before major events like the 2031 Rugby World Cup and the 2033 Women’s World Cup, both set to take place in the U.S.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS: A LIFELINE FOR THE SOUTH

Securing these financial gains is especially critical for the southern hemisphere unions, such as New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia, which have posted multimillion-pound losses in recent years. Even the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in England faces financial challenges, having laid off more than 40 staff members despite a lucrative stadium naming-rights deal with insurance giant Allianz for Twickenham.

The Nations Championship, involving 12 teams in its top division, will also provide financial stability through rotational venue revenues, allowing teams to compete in both home and away matches. The format includes teams from the Six Nations and Sanzaar, as well as Japan and Fiji, all competing to secure a spot in the playoffs.

LONDON AND QATAR: TOURNAMENT’S NEURALGIC CENTERS

For the 2026 London final, several stadiums are being considered, including Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Stoop. With the wide range of teams involved, stadiums of different capacities will be required to accommodate the varying audience sizes.

This new championship not only marks a new era for international rugby, but it also underscores the growing importance of non-traditional markets like Qatar and the United States in a collective effort to expand the sport’s global reach and ensure its long-term financial viability.

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