The Nations Championship trophy has been officially unveiled, standing 67 centimetres tall and weighing 15 kilograms. The design centres on a gold-plated globe, with handles referencing lines of latitude and longitude to reflect the tournament's defining north-versus-south structure.
The inaugural edition kicks off on July 4 in the southern hemisphere, with the 12 competing nations split into two hemispheric groups. The Six Nations sides represent the north, while SANZAAR's four nations are joined by Fiji and Japan for the south. Each team plays six cross-hemisphere fixtures across July and November, with group standings determining the match-ups at a Finals Weekend, where the two group winners meet in the title decider.
SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris described the trophy unveiling as signalling that kick-off is close, adding that the competition represents an important part of the sport's future. Six Nations Rugby CEO Tom Harrison said the tournament would "stand alongside the best tournaments and events in world sport" through its combination of jeopardy and unpredictability.