Steve Borthwick's England face a stern test opening the Nations Championship with a July 4 rematch against reigning world champions South Africa in Johannesburg. The 2019 World Cup final opponents clash before England's summer fixtures continue against Fiji and Argentina in the southern hemisphere. This challenging schedule begins the tournament's initial three-game week phase in July, setting the tone for the entire championship.

France, fresh off their Six Nations victory, tackle New Zealand in Christchurch as part of the southern hemisphere matches. The tournament structure sees teams compete across six gameweeks, with the northern hemisphere portion resuming in November at Twickenham. England's home games include matches against New Zealand, Australia, and Japan during this phase, setting up a crucial November stretch that could define their campaign.

The championship culminates in a finals weekend at Twickenham spanning November 27-29. Teams play their hemisphere counterparts, with a Ryder Cup-style points system determining hemisphere trophy winners. The first-placed northern and southern hemisphere sides meet on November 29 in what promises to be a definitive conclusion to this innovative international competition format designed to create more meaningful Test rugby.