Round three of the Nations Championship summer campaign takes place today, July 18, 2026, with several blockbuster fixtures concluding the series. The competition features three unbeaten teams—South Africa, New Zealand, and Ireland—but that will change as the heavyweights meet in Auckland.
Key Fixtures and Broadcast Details
All matches are broadcast free-to-air on ITV1 or ITV4 in the UK, and on S4C for Welsh games. Live streaming is available on ITVX after a short registration; a valid TV Licence is required.
- New Zealand vs Ireland: Kick-off 8:10am BST on ITV1, coverage from 7:30am at Eden Park, Auckland.
- Japan vs France: Kick-off 9:40am BST on ITV4, coverage from 9:30am at Tokyo National Stadium.
- Australia vs Italy: Kick-off 11:10am BST on ITV1, coverage from 10:50am at HBF Park, Perth.
- Fiji vs Scotland: Kick-off 2:10pm BST on ITV1, coverage from 1:10pm at Murrayfield.
- South Africa vs Wales: Kick-off 4:40pm BST on ITV1 and S4C, coverage from 4:15pm (ITV1) and 4pm (S4C) at Kings Park, Durban.
- Argentina vs England: Kick-off 8:10pm BST on ITV1, coverage from 7:30pm at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades, Santiago del Estero.
Impact and Context
The New Zealand vs Ireland match is the standout, as both teams are unbeaten in the competition. According to the article, reigning world champions South Africa also remain undefeated. Wales face a tough test against the Springboks in Durban, while England take on Argentina in a rematch of the football World Cup semi-final. The matches mark the final round of the summer campaign, determining the series winners.
