Autumn Internationals

The Autumn Internationals 2025 will return this November, once again bringing the Southern Hemisphere's rugby powerhouses to face Europe's finest. Held over five consecutive weekends, this elite series of Test matches will see England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy take on touring sides including New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Japan, and others. Known for its intensity and unpredictability, the Autumn Internationals often offer a glimpse of World Cup form and future champions.

Full Fixture Line-up & Key Clashes

Kicking off on 1 November 2025, the opening weekend includes blockbuster fixtures like England vs Australia at Twickenham and Ireland vs New Zealand, set to be played in Chicago. In the following weeks, teams rotate through major rugby stadiums including Murrayfield, the Aviva Stadium, and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. England’s four-match run includes battles against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and Argentina—an unprecedented stretch of competition in a Lions year.

Wales will play a demanding schedule against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa. Ireland hosts Australia, Japan, and South Africa in addition to their U.S.-based opener. France, Italy, Scotland, and Tier 2 nations like Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa also feature prominently across the month-long campaign.

Past Highlights and Historic Moments

The Autumn Internationals have delivered countless classic encounters over the years. In 2022, Ireland defeated both South Africa and Australia, asserting their dominance as the world’s top-ranked side at the time. England famously downed New Zealand in 2012 and again in 2018, thrilling packed Twickenham crowds. Scotland achieved one of their greatest autumn victories by beating Australia in 2021, while Wales shocked South Africa in 2016 with a gritty defensive display. Though not a trophy-based competition, pride, rankings, and reputations are on the line. These matches often serve as springboards for World Cup contention or redemption after difficult campaigns.

What Makes the Autumn Internationals Special?

Unlike the Six Nations or The Rugby Championship, the Autumn Internationals aren’t bound by a points table, making every match a standalone battle. The different styles of play—Northern Hemisphere structure vs Southern Hemisphere flair—create tactical variety and surprise upsets. These fixtures also give fans the rare chance to see teams like New Zealand’s All Blacks, South Africa’s Springboks, and Australia’s Wallabies in European stadiums. It’s also a proving ground for emerging nations like Japan and Fiji, who often deliver crowd-pleasing, high-scoring matches while testing Tier 1 opposition.

Players and Matchups to Watch

While squad announcements are expected closer to the date, all eyes will be on returning stars and rising talents. Expect key matchups such as England’s forward pack vs the All Blacks’ mobility,Ireland’s precise kicking game vs South Africa’s physical defense, and Scotland’s open-play creativity vs Argentina’s scrummaging power. Captains like Owen Farrell (England), Johnny Sexton’s successor (Ireland), Siya Kolisi (South Africa), and Antoine Dupont (France) could all play defining roles in what promises to be a fierce November campaign.

Fan Experience and Atmosphere

Played in some of the sport’s most iconic venues Twickenham, Murrayfield, Aviva Stadium, and the Principality Stadium—the Autumn Internationals offer a unique blend of national pride and international rivalry. From the pre-match anthems to last-minute drop goals, the atmosphere is electric. These matches draw fans from around the world, making them as much about culture and camaraderie as they are about competition.

Final Thoughts

The Autumn Internationals 2025 are more than just a series of rugby matches—they are a celebration of global rugby excellence. With world champions, challengers, and underdogs all clashing over five weekends, expect bruising battles, skillful displays, and unforgettable moments. As the 2027 Rugby World Cup nears, these fixtures offer a preview of the teams, players, and strategies that may define the tournament ahead.