Where Is Ireland in the Nations Championship Table for 2026?
The Ireland Nations Championship table changed after a Dublin win and a busy weekend. Ireland’s Finals Weekend opponent remains unknown, but Andy Farrell’s side are still in contention for the top northern spot, with Fiji and South Africa standing between them and the final standings.
Ireland Nations Championship Table After Round Four
Ireland beat Argentina 42-12 on Friday 6 November, with Hugo Keenan scoring a hat-trick. France then defeated Fiji 54-17, while England’s 45-22 win over Australia on Sunday pushed Ireland from second to third on points difference.
| North | Played | Wins | Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 4 | 3 | +78 | 17 |
| England | 4 | 3 | +71 | 15 |
| Ireland | 4 | 3 | +29 | 15 |
| Scotland | 4 | 2 | -11 | 11 |
| Wales | 4 | 2 | -35 | 10 |
| Italy | 4 | 0 | -153 | 0 |
Ireland and England both have three wins, so England’s superior points difference settles their current tie. The table covers four of six scheduled matches, not a completed qualifying campaign.
Keenan captured both the promise and the unfinished work after Argentina:
“We got a bonus point playing against a really tough Argentinean side.” Hugo Keenan.
Ireland Rugby Finals: Remaining Fixtures and Cut-Off
Two Aviva Stadium fixtures remain: Fiji, still winless in the series, followed by unbeaten South Africa.
| Fixture | Date | Irish time |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland v Fiji | Sat 14 November | 20:10 |
| Ireland v South Africa | Sat 21 November | 16:40 |
The hemisphere tables are finalised after Round Six on 21 November, once the scheduled northern-series fixtures finish. France still face South Africa and Argentina, while England meet Japan and New Zealand. Their results matter as much as Ireland’s own scorelines.
How Is Ireland’s Finals Weekend Opponent Decided?
The Nations Championship 2026 format combines three July rounds with three November rounds, giving each nation six matches in its hemisphere table. After those six rounds, each team faces the side finishing in the same position in the opposite hemisphere.
First plays first in the Grand Final; second plays second, continuing down to sixth against sixth. Every participating nation reaches Finals Weekend at London’s Allianz Stadium from 27 to 29 November. Appearing there is not the same as qualifying for the trophy decider.
South Africa and New Zealand currently lead the southern standings on 20 points apiece, with South Africa ahead on points difference. Naming either as Ireland’s confirmed opponent today would ignore two remaining rounds.
What Does Ireland Need to Reach the Grand Final?
Ireland can reach 25 table points by taking ten from their final two fixtures, including the available try bonuses. France can reach 27 and England 25, so winning twice alone does not mathematically secure first place.
The regular table awards four points for a win, two for a draw and up to two bonuses. Ties are broken by number of wins, then points difference, tries difference and tries scored. Special Finals Weekend rules must not be applied to this league table.
Ireland v Fiji Betting Odds: The Next Test
There is an immediate betting angle before any Finals Weekend pairing is known. The market strongly favours Ireland, but handicap bets ask a substantially different question.
Prices are indicative pre-match snapshots and may move. Compare the actual market and terms using our Ireland rugby betting guide before selecting a bet.
