As part of recent changes to the women’s rugby global calendar, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales have secured management of their autumn match schedules.
The upcoming WXV Global Series, set to run from 2026 to 2028, will replace the former WXV competition and spotlight the world’s top 12 rugby teams.
In an effort to capitalize on the success of the Women’s Rugby World Cup held in England, national federations and unions will now have the liberty to schedule their own home and away matches throughout September and October.
Joining the home nations in the elite 12 are Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA.
These nations are committed to participating in the WXV Global Series until the next Rugby World Cup in 2029.
World Rugby will ensure all teams receive equal financial support for their fixtures, regardless of the number of Tests played.
Each nation will announce its fixtures following the World Cup.
World Rugby’s CEO Alan Gilpin emphasized the importance of these changes: “This initiative provides essential stability amid discussions of breakaway leagues like R360, helping national federations, players, and fans alike.”
He further added that this four-year plan allows federations to engage in meaningful contract discussions with player groups, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
Additionally, teams ranked 13th to 18th, which World Rugby identifies as facing significant financial obstacles, will participate in fixtures hosted at a single venue in 2026 and 2028, supported financially by the organization. This group includes Brazil, Fiji, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Samoa, and Spain.
As a result, the WXV—a three-tier competition launched in 2023 to enhance the quality of matches leading up to the World Cup—will be discontinued.
According to BBC Sport, the top 12 teams are expected to play between 9 and 16 Tests per year, excluding World Cup years, with a maximum of six Tests in a single season.
This fixture arrangement will also account for matches in 2027, coinciding with the inaugural British and Irish Lions women’s tour in New Zealand.
World Rugby anticipates over 100 matches across the three-year Global Series, with an investment of £9 million aimed at building on the World Cup’s success in England, which has seen record audience figures, culminating in a sold-out final at Twickenham on September 27.
Brett Robinson, chairman of World Rugby, highlighted the significance of the WXV Global Series, noting it as a pivotal moment for women’s rugby, which follows an impactful Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. “This initiative reinforces our commitment to improve standards, ensure consistent and competitive fixtures, and create a sustainable commercial framework for women’s rugby worldwide,” he stated.
In 2023, World Rugby unveiled plans for a new men’s competition launching in 2026, featuring 24 teams divided into two divisions.