Rugby 12-Nation Championship Nations Championship: Shōtarō Ōnishi "Focus on the result and have the mindset of 'We absolutely must win!'" All 42 Matches Live Streamed on WOWOW!

The new tournament "Nations Championship," where the top 12 rugby nations will clash, will officially kick off on Saturday, July 4th.

The tournament features six nations from the Northern Hemisphere, familiar from the "Six Nations" (England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Italy), and four nations from the Southern Hemisphere who compete fiercely in "The Rugby Championship" (New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina), along with Fiji and Japan. These 12 teams will compete against each other in a "North vs. South" format over two months, from July to November, for a total of seven weeks, engaging in serious matches for national pride. The tournament is an opportunity to see the strength and current standing of the world's top teams, including the participating Japan national team.

WOWOW will live stream all 42 matches of this tournament, with highlight matches broadcast live. This marks the first time in WOWOW's history that they will broadcast a home match for the Japan national rugby team.

Ahead of the tournament's opening, we interviewed former Japan national rugby player Shōtarō Ōnishi, who will be providing pitchside reports for Japan vs. Italy and commentary for Japan vs. France, to get his broad insights on the tournament's overall picture, anticipated matches, and key players.

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-- The opening of the Nations Championship is just around the corner.

"The period of July and November has traditionally been known as the 'window month' for test matches, but now a new tournament, the Northern Hemisphere vs. Southern Hemisphere format, will be held every two years. I think it's a very interesting and meaningful tournament as it will clarify the power dynamics between nations before next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia."

-- Please explain the tournament format.

"The 12 participating teams will be divided into two groups of six teams each, Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere. They will compete in a six-round 'North vs. South' format (three weeks each in July and November), vying for rankings within their respective groups based on points. On November 27th, 28th, and 29th, dubbed 'Finals Weekend,' ranking matches will be held between teams of the same standing from the North and South, ultimately determining the final rankings and the champion for all teams. All teams will gather at Twickenham (Allianz Stadium in London) for serious matches, so I expect it to be very exciting."

-- The Japan national team will play three matches in July, with two of them held in Japan. While Japan vs. Italy on the first day is certainly a focus, the opening match of the tournament held before that is also a top-tier matchup.

"It's New Zealand vs. France. I'm looking forward to it. There were no major surprises in the squad selected by the new Head Coach (HC) Dave Rennie; I believe he chose players who can consistently deliver high-level performances. It's understandable that Ardie Savea, one of the world's best back-row players, with whom I was also teammates at Kobelco Steelers (as HC and player), has been appointed the new captain. A player I'm particularly watching in the squad is fly-half (SO) Reuben Love, who significantly contributed to the Hurricanes' second Super Rugby Pacific championship in 10 seasons. He was the Player of the Match in the final, and it's important for New Zealand to have young players like him emerging, in addition to experienced veterans like Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie."

Reuben Love / Getty Images

-- What are your thoughts on France, their opponent?

"Due to the timing of the TOP 14 (France's domestic league), France has had a policy of not calling up players from top teams for the July test matches each year. However, key players like captain scrum-half (SH) Antoine Dupont and fly-half (SO) Romain Ntamack have been added to the squad. Dupont will ultimately be out due to injury, but the other players will join in Australia and be available from Round 2. It looks like a strong squad with many young players will face New Zealand. Among them, fly-half (SO) Matthieu Jalibert's presence is significant. I'm also curious to see who will be selected at number 10, him or Ntamack. I'm also paying attention to the play of winger (WTB) Damian Penaud, who has returned to the national team."

Matthieu Jalibert / Getty Images

-- Historically, New Zealand has won 51 matches, with 15 losses and 1 draw against France, but they have always had close contests, including their three-match series last year. What are your predictions for the outcome?

"This matchup between the All Blacks in their first match under HC Dave Rennie and Les Bleus, the two-time Six Nations champions, is always a rivalry. This time too, it will be a very interesting development. If the All Blacks win convincingly here, the expectations of the New Zealand public will grow. France, although largely a young team, I really want to see how much they can challenge the All Blacks with their current lineup."

-- The next match is Japan vs. Italy, held at Chichibukai Rugby Stadium in Tokyo. Japan has won 2 and lost 8 in past encounters.

"There's no doubt they are a tough opponent for the Japan national team. The key will be how Japan can counter the physicality and speed of Italy, who are showing remarkable growth in the Northern Hemisphere. Defense is, of course, important, but if it becomes a back-and-forth game, it will be interesting to see how much the Japan national team's backs (BK) can score tries on the attack."

-- What are your impressions of the Italian squad?

"It's largely the same familiar squad. They have many good players, but center (CTB) Tommaso Menoncello is a threat to the Japan national team and all other teams. Wingers (WTB) Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane are also players to watch out for.

Tommaso Menoncello / Getty Images

Japan's HC Eddie Jones said, 'Italy's off-the-ball movement is superb, second only to South Africa.' The accuracy of Japan's wingers, such as Yoshikatsu Ishida, in catching high balls against kicks (which Italy is likely to use frequently) will be key."

-- Are there any other matches you are looking forward to in Round 1?

"South Africa vs. England is also a match I'm very much looking forward to. South Africa, ranked number 1 in the world (as of June 29, 2026), has established itself as an absolutely dominant team, and I'm interested to see how they will showcase their strength in this tournament. I have a feeling it will be a case of 'South Africa is indeed strong,' but I'm also looking forward to seeing England's adjustments, as they've been in a slump since this year's Six Nations."

-- These two teams have met twice in the Rugby World Cup final. Historically, South Africa has won 29 matches, with 16 losses and 2 draws. Please name some key players for South Africa, who continue to dominate, and England, who are looking to bounce back.

"It's difficult to pick just one, but I'd like to mention winger (WTB) Cheslin Kolbe, who played for Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in Japan. His sharp running, kicking, and finishing ability are outstanding, but if South African national team players like him, who have been active in League One, perform well here, Japanese fans will surely enjoy it, and it will also serve as proof of the high level of League One.

Cheslin Kolbe / Getty Images

For England, who will play at number 10 (SO) is key, as it will completely change their rugby style. If it's George Ford, it will be kick-oriented; if it's Marcus Smith, it will be an attacking style using runs; and if it's Finn Smith, it will be a style somewhere in between. Among the forwards (FW), I'm looking forward to the play of young flanker/number eight (FL/No.8) Henry Pollock."

-- Round 2 also features many exciting matches, starting with Japan vs. Ireland.

"Ireland has also been consistently strengthening, but they tend to make very few changes to their squad. While Sam Prendergast has emerged at fly-half (SO), he is still a bit inconsistent. If new heroes emerge while they field their best members, I think it might bring some change to the team.

Furthermore, for the Japan national team, there's the advantage of playing at the venue where they will face Samoa in their first match of next year's Rugby World Cup (McDonald Jones Stadium). It's an important match in terms of getting accustomed to the turf and atmosphere a year in advance, but more than that, I feel it will be a true test of Eddie Japan's mettle as they aim for their second-ever victory against Ireland (Japan has 1 win and 11 losses in past encounters)."

-- What about other matches?

"Australia vs. France is a match that deserves even more attention, considering France will play Japan the following week. While there aren't any major changes to the Wallabies' squad, how well center (CTB) Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii performs will be a key point. As the host nation for next year's Rugby World Cup, national pride is at stake for the team, and they will be expected to generate public interest in this tournament, the year before. I definitely want to see the Wallabies' pride."

-- Round 3, which concludes the July Southern Hemisphere series, also features a series of big games.

"New Zealand vs. Ireland at Eden Park, New Zealand's sacred ground, is a match full of highlights (New Zealand has won 33 matches, with 5 losses and 1 draw in past encounters). And Japan vs. France, held at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) after both teams travel from Australia to Japan, is also highly anticipated, especially since they will face each other in next year's Rugby World Cup.

Japan has never beaten France (13 losses, 1 draw in the past), but since it's being held at the National Stadium, I hope many people will come to watch, and I also encourage everyone to watch it on WOWOW."

-- Furthermore, the Northern Hemisphere rounds will take place in November, culminating in the 'Finals Weekend' for the ranking matches in the final week. Are there any matches you are particularly looking forward to at this point?

"While the perspective might change depending on the results in July, Japan will face Wales again this year (they played three matches last year, with Japan winning one and losing two; their overall record is 2 wins and 14 losses against Wales), and then they will have consecutive matches against traditional powerhouses England and Scotland, so every match will be compelling.

Also, France vs. South Africa in Round 5 is a match I'm very much looking forward to. It's a clash between the Northern Hemisphere champions, who have won the Six Nations twice in a row, and the Southern Hemisphere champions and world champions. Historically, South Africa has had the upper hand (France has 12 wins, 29 losses, 6 draws), but I'm already excited to see what the outcome will be this time, including the content of the match."

-- In conclusion, what are your expectations for the tournament and your prediction for the winner?

"The tournament features 10 strong nations from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, plus Japan and Fiji. For the significance and value of this tournament to be maintained, how well these two nations perform will be a major factor. I want the Japan national team to continue participating for a long time, so I hope they will feel the joy of competing against great opponents and grow, while also focusing on the results. I want them to fight with the mindset of 'We absolutely must win!' from the first match. In that sense, I'm looking forward to the leadership of lock (LO) Warner Dearns, who has grown significantly after contributing to the Hurricanes' championship in Super Rugby Pacific.

Warner Dearns / Getty Images

I believe South Africa is the favorite to win this tournament, but New Zealand will likely improve their form. Nevertheless, I want the European champions France to show the pride of the Northern Hemisphere, and I also hope that Ireland, who can match South Africa physically, and England, who are aiming for a comeback, will be in contention for the championship."

-- Actually, for the match against Italy on the 4th (Saturday), WOWOW On Demand will offer viewing in "Dolby Atmos," allowing for a more immersive audio experience.

"I didn't realize Dolby Atmos was available for sports content, not just music. It sounds like it will be possible to enjoy more realistic sound during scrums and breakdowns, and in contact situations. I definitely want to experience it!"

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The Nations Championship promises a series of intense matches between the world's top teams, not just the Japan national team. Please enjoy every match, every moment, to the fullest on WOWOW.

**WOWOW Broadcast and Streaming Information**

**Program Information**

"Rugby 12-Nation Championship Nations Championship"

All 18 matches of the July "Southern Hemisphere Series" will be live streamed on WOWOW On Demand!

All 24 matches of the November "Northern Hemisphere Series" and "Finals Weekend" will also be broadcast and streamed on WOWOW!

**Round 1**

7/4 (Sat) 3:45 PM "New Zealand vs. France"

[WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/4 (Sat) 5:10 PM "Japan vs. Italy" Guest Commentator: Ryū Ōta, Commentator: Fumiaki Tanaka, Pitchside Reporter: Shōtarō Ōnishi, Announcer: Hiroshi Sumida, Host: Momoka Okamoto!

[WOWOW Prime] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/4 (Sat) 6:55 PM "Australia vs. Ireland"

[WOWOW On Demand]

7/4 (Sat) 9:55 PM "Fiji vs. Wales"

[WOWOW On Demand]

7/5 (Sun) 0:25 AM "South Africa vs. England"

[WOWOW Prime] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/5 (Sun) 3:55 AM "Argentina vs. Scotland"

[WOWOW Prime] [WOWOW On Demand]

**Round 2**

7/11 (Sat) 1:55 PM "New Zealand vs. Italy"

[WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/11 (Sat) 4:25 PM "Australia vs. France"

[WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/11 (Sat) 6:50 PM "Japan vs. Ireland"

[WOWOW Prime] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/11 (Sat) 9:55 PM "Fiji vs. England"

[WOWOW On Demand]

7/12 (Sun) 0:25 AM "South Africa vs. Scotland"

[WOWOW Prime] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/12 (Sun) 3:55 AM "Argentina vs. Wales"

[WOWOW Prime] [WOWOW On Demand]

**Round 3**

7/18 (Sat) 3:55 PM "New Zealand vs. Ireland"

[WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/18 (Sat) 5:10 PM "Japan vs. France" Guest Commentator: Ayumi Gorōmaru, Commentator: Shōtarō Ōnishi, Pitchside Reporter: Takashi Kikuchi, Announcer: Kenjiro Toyohara!

[WOWOW Prime] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/18 (Sat) 6:55 PM "Australia vs. Italy"

[WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/18 (Sat) 9:55 PM "Fiji vs. Scotland"

[WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/19 (Sun) 0:25 AM "South Africa vs. Wales"

[WOWOW Prime] [WOWOW On Demand]

7/19 (Sun) 3:55 AM "Argentina vs. England"

[WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand]

**Related Program Information**

"Australia vs. Japan"

8/15 (Sat) 1:55 PM [WOWOW Prime] [WOWOW On Demand]

**Live Streaming of Japan National Team Matches in the Nations Championship Decided in "Dolby Atmos"!**

Dolby Atmos is an audio technology that enables three-dimensional spatial expression, far surpassing traditional surround sound. Through your home TV or smartphone, you can experience an immersive feeling as if you were watching live at the venue. Enjoy the power of sound pouring down from above, as well as from the front, back, and sides, and the excitement on the field. ■Target Matches 7/4 (Sat) 5:10 PM Japan vs. Italy [WOWOW On Demand] https://wod.wowow.co.jp/content/219292

**Japan National Team Match Tickets Now on Sale!**

Date & Time: 7/4 (Sat) Kick-off 5:40 PM "Japan vs. Italy", 7/18 (Sat) Kick-off 5:40 PM "Japan vs. France" Details: https://www.wowow.co.jp/eventinfo/detail/event-1303.html

For the latest information on broadcast and streaming, check the program's official website and social media!■

[WOWOW On Demand] https://wod.wowow.co.jp/genre/rugby

[WOWOW Rugby Official Website] https://www.wowow.co.jp/sports/rugby/

[WOWOW Rugby Official X] https://x.com/wowow_rugby

[WOWOW Official YouTube] https://www.youtube.com/user/WOWOWofficial