Introduction

The year 2025 offers a packed international rugby calendar, highlighted by the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, the annual Six Nations and Rugby Championship, and a full slate of mid-year and autumn test matches. Below we present the complete 2025 match schedules for the world’s top ten rugby teams – including the reigning world champion Springboks (South Africa) – with dates, opponents, competition context, and venues. Key marquee clashes are noted with historical insights into the rivalries that make them special.

South Africa (Springboks) – 2025 Schedule

As defending World Cup champions, the Springboks face a busy 2025 with home test series, a challenging Rugby Championship, and an end-of-year tour. South Africa will host European opposition in July (including two tests against Italy), then defend their Rugby Championship title against southern hemisphere rivals, and finally tour Europe in November. Notably, the Springboks play the All Blacks twice in New Zealand during the Rugby Championship and will meet northern heavyweights like France, Ireland and Wales on tour.

South Africa – All Matches in 2025:

South Africa’s schedule features several blockbuster rivalries. Their home-and-away battles with the All Blacks remain the sport’s premier showdown – the two nations have won the most Rugby World Cups and every meeting is intense.

In 2025 they clash in New Zealand twice (Auckland and Wellington), hearkening back to classic duels; historically, the Springboks have struggled on Kiwi soil, so these matches will test the Boks’ mettle. Another highlight is South Africa’s November 8 test in France – a rematch of the epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final which the Boks narrowly won. The Springboks will also visit Dublin on Nov 22 to face Ireland, who handed South Africa a pool-stage loss in 2023 and have become a fierce northern rival.

Finally, the tour ends in Cardiff against Wales, a team that pushed South Africa to the brink in recent years (including a famous Welsh win in 2022). Springbok fans will relish this comprehensive schedule, marking their calendars especially for the New Zealand encounters and the European tour fixtures.

New Zealand (All Blacks) – 2025 Schedule

The All Blacks’ 2025 calendar is highlighted by a three-test home series against France in July and the traditional Rugby Championship campaign, followed by a four-match northern tour. New Zealand hosts Les Bleus in Dunedin, Wellington, and Hamilton – a marquee series renewing a rivalry that included two Rugby World Cup Finals (1987 and 2011) and a French victory over NZ in the 2023 World Cup opener.

In the Rugby Championship, the All Blacks play two tests in Argentina and welcome South Africa twice. Their November tour includes a much-anticipated neutral-site test against Ireland in Chicago and visits to Scotland, England, and Wales.

New Zealand – All Matches in 2025:

New Zealand’s fixture list brims with classic rivalries. The July series against France is a highlight – the last time Les Bleus toured NZ (2018) the All Blacks swept them, but France’s win over New Zealand in Paris in 2023 adds spice to this year’s meetings. In the Rugby Championship, All Blacks vs Springboks remains one of the sport’s greatest rivalries, with 2025’s two encounters coming after South Africa’s narrow win in the 2023 World Cup final. The All Blacks will be determined to defend their home turf – notably Eden Park, where South Africa hasn’t won in decades.

The November 1st showdown with Ireland at Chicago’s Soldier Field is being dubbed “The Rematch” of Ireland’s historic first-ever win over the All Blacks in 2016 at the same venue. Since that upset, Ireland and New Zealand have split their last 10 meetings (5 wins each), making this neutral-ground battle one of the great modern rivalries.

The All Blacks will then face England and Wales on successive Saturdays – England beat NZ at the 2019 World Cup and will be eager for a home win, while Wales haven’t beaten New Zealand since 1953 (a run of 33 All Black victories). These storylines promise high drama throughout New Zealand’s 2025 campaign.

England – 2025 Schedule

England’s 2025 itinerary spans the Six Nations, a summer tour to the Americas, and a four-test autumn series at Twickenham. In the Six Nations, England will host two old rivals – France and Scotland – at home and travel to Dublin and Cardiff for blockbuster clashes. In July, an England squad (minus Lions-selected players) tours Argentina for two tests and adds a stop in the USA. The year wraps up with England’s Autumn Nations Series, featuring visits from Australia, Fiji, the All Blacks, and Argentina on consecutive weekends.

England – All Matches in 2025:

England’s schedule is punctuated by traditional grudge matches. In the Six Nations, the Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland (Feb 22) will capture attention – England narrowly beat Scotland in 2024 and will defend home turf. Their Feb 8 meeting with France pits the last two Rugby World Cup finalists (England 2019 vs France 2023) and carries added weight as a potential title-decider in the Six Nations.

The July tour sees England revisit Argentina, whom they edged in the 2023 World Cup bronze final; Argentina last hosted England in 2017, and the Pumas will be keen to impress their home fans. On November 1, England renew the Cook Cup rivalry with Australia – a storied matchup that England has dominated in recent years (though Australia upset England in the 2023 RWC quarter-final).

A week later, England host Fiji for the first time since Fiji’s shock win over them in 2023 – a chance for revenge. The marquee autumn test is England vs New Zealand on Nov 15, a clash of two giants; their last Twickenham meeting in 2022 was a dramatic 25–25 draw, and England will hope to go one better. Finally, Argentina’s visit on Nov 23 closes the year, giving England another encounter with a fellow top-10 side that has beaten them on English soil as recently as 2022. Overall, England’s fans can look forward to a year of high-stakes tests virtually every month.

France – 2025 Schedule

France enters 2025 with high expectations after a strong home World Cup in 2023. Les Bleus have a full Six Nations slate, a challenging mid-year tour to New Zealand, and three autumn tests. In the Six Nations, France will open the tournament in Paris and also host Scotland, while traveling to Twickenham, Dublin, and Rome.

The July tour of New Zealand (three tests) is a highlight of the year, giving France an immediate shot at revenge for their 2021 series loss in New Zealand and a chance to build on their landmark win over the All Blacks in the 2023 World Cup opener. Come November, France will welcome three southern hemisphere opponents (South Africa, Fiji, and Australia) to round out the calendar.

France – All Matches in 2025:

France’s 2025 matchups offer a mix of old and new chapters in rugby history. A focal point is the July tour in New Zealand: France have famously upset the All Blacks on big stages (e.g. RWC 1999 and 2007), and their first-ever win over New Zealand in a pool match came in 2023. Now France will attempt a rare series win in NZ – a feat they last achieved in 1994.

In the Six Nations, “Le Crunch” on Feb 8 (France vs England at Twickenham) will be pivotal; France edged England 25–22 in a thriller in 2025’s Six Nations and that rivalry is as fierce as ever. Les Bleus also host Scotland on the final weekend – Scotland stunned France in Paris in 2021, so no matchup can be taken lightly.

During the autumn series, France’s test against South Africa (Nov 8) stands out as a rematch of their heartbreaking one-point loss in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final. Meetings with Australia (Nov 22) and Fiji will likewise be significant: France lost to the Wallabies in their last encounter (2021) and to Fiji in a famous 2018 upset, so they will be keen to assert dominance on home soil. Overall, 2025 presents France with opportunities to both settle old scores and reinforce their status among the world’s elite.

Argentina (Los Pumas) – 2025 Schedule

Los Pumas have a busy 2025 that includes a one-off match against the Lions, a home series versus England, the Rugby Championship, and an extensive European tour. Argentina will kick off by playing the British & Irish Lions in Dublin – a rare and historic encounter with the touring side. In July they host England twice and also face neighbors Uruguay.

The Rugby Championship then sees Argentina play two home tests against New Zealand and four away matches (including a unique “home” fixture vs South Africa at London’s Twickenham). Argentina’s season concludes with a November trip to Europe, taking on Wales, Scotland, and England on successive weekends.

Argentina – All Matches in 2025:

Argentina’s schedule pits them against virtually all the world’s top sides in 2025. The headline event is the June 20 match against the Lions – marking the first time Argentina meet the composite British & Irish side in a full test. This unique Dublin showdown will be a proud moment for Los Pumas, who earned it by rising in the world rankings.

In July, Argentina’s home series with England rekindles a rivalry that saw Argentina beat England at Twickenham in 2022 and push them hard in the 2023 World Cup. The Pumas then aim to improve in the Rugby Championship after a mixed 2024. Notably, Argentina will “host” South Africa in London on Oct 4 – a move to expand their fanbase in Europe. Argentina have beaten the Springboks just once away from home (in 2018), so a win at Twickenham would be historic.

The November tour includes a test against Wales (Argentina defeated Wales in Cardiff in the RWC 2023 quarter-final, so Welsh revenge will be on the cards) and a match against Scotland (a team Argentina edged 1–0 in a tight 2022 series).

The finale is a Twickenham meeting with England on Nov 23 – a week after England hosts the Lions-laden side, the Pumas will hope to catch England fatigued. Throughout 2025, Argentina will lean on their renowned passion and giant-killing ability as they face nine of the world’s top ten teams.

Australia (Wallabies) – 2025 Schedule

For Australia, 2025 is dominated by hosting the British & Irish Lions tour. The Wallabies will play the Lions in three high-profile test matches in July–August, in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Either side of the Lions series, Australia competes in the Rugby Championship and then embarks on a traditional European tour in November.

During the Rugby Championship, the Wallabies have back-to-back tests in South Africa followed by home fixtures against Argentina and the Bledisloe Cup clashes with New Zealand. Their autumn tour features four away tests, including meetings with all four Home Nations (England, Ireland, Wales, and also Italy).

Australia – All Matches in 2025:

The centerpiece of Australia’s year is the Lions Tour – the first Lions visit to Australia since 2013, when the Wallabies were defeated 2–1 in the series. Australia will be determined to reverse that result; the Lions have only ever won one series in Australia (2013) since 1989, so history slightly favors the Wallabies at home. The three tests (Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney) will be among the most-watched games globally in 2025, and Australia’s new coaching setup will be under immense pressure to deliver.

In the Rugby Championship, the Wallabies’ rivalry with New Zealand remains paramount – 2025 offers two Bledisloe Cup clashes (Aug 27 and Oct 4). Australia haven’t held the Cup since 2002, but a dramatic draw and close loss in 2023 indicated the gap might be closing. Matches against South Africa (the Wallabies’ first visits to South Africa since 2019) will also be key; Australia historically have had success against the Boks at home but struggled away.

The end-of-year tour pits Australia against England on Nov 1 in a match that doubles as a chance to avenge their loss in the 2019 RWC final and a high-profile start to new coach Tony Gustard’s tenure (assuming the coaching succession plan proceeds). They’ll also face Ireland and France – two of the top-ranked teams – on their home turf, as well as a potential banana-skin test vs Italy (Australia suffered a shocking loss to Italy in 2022). For the Wallabies, consistency will be key in this marathon year, but the opportunity to win a Lions series on home soil is surely the ultimate prize.

Ireland – 2025 Schedule

Ireland’s 2025 calendar features the defence of their Six Nations title, a summer tour focused on emerging nations, and a heavyweight autumn series at home. In the Six Nations, Ireland play key matches against England and France (one home, one away) as they seek to repeat their 2024 championship triumph.

With many stars likely on Lions duty mid-year, Ireland’s summer tests are against Georgia and Portugal away – valuable games to blood new talent. Then comes a blockbuster Autumn Nations Series in which Ireland will host Japan, Australia, and South Africa in Dublin, plus the special neutral-site match against New Zealand in Chicago on Nov 1.

Ireland – All Matches in 2025:

Ireland’s year is highlighted by clashes with the teams that have become familiar foes in recent seasons. In the Six Nations, Ireland’s opener against England on Feb 1 will reprise the finale of the 2024 championship (when Ireland sealed the title in Dublin).

Their Round-4 meeting with France (Mar 8 in Dublin) could well decide the tournament – Ireland beat France in 2024 to snap Les Bleus’ long unbeaten run, and these two have finished 1–2 in recent Six Nations. The November schedule is arguably Ireland’s toughest ever: they face New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa in the span of four weeks.

The neutral-site game versus the All Blacks in Chicago on Nov 1 is laden with significance – it was at Soldier Field in 2016 that Ireland recorded their first-ever win over New Zealand, ending a 111-year drought. Since then Ireland have won a historic series in New Zealand (2022) and briefly held the #1 world ranking, adding edge to this “rematch.” The Irish then host Japan (a team that famously upset Ireland at the 2019 World Cup) on Nov 8, followed by back-to-back Tests against Rugby Championship foes.

The Nov 15 encounter with Australia sees Ireland put a five-match winning streak against the Wallabies on the line, while the Nov 22 clash with South Africa is a rematch of a pivotal 2023 pool game Ireland won 13–8. Ireland have recent positive history against all three southern giants and will aim to assert their status as a global powerhouse. It’s a challenging road, but buoyed by the Aviva Stadium crowd and the leadership of veteran stars, Ireland will be targeting silverware in the spring and statement victories in the autumn.

British & Irish Lions – 2025 Tour of Australia

In 2025 the British & Irish Lions – a composite team of the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – embark on their eagerly awaited tour to Australia. The tour spans 10 matches from late June through early August.

It opens with a warm-up test against Argentina in Dublin and several games against Australian Super Rugby franchises and invitational sides, culminating in a three-match Test series against the Wallabies. The Lions only tour Australia once every 12 years, and they famously won the 2013 series 2–1. The 2025 edition will see huge traveling support and intense pressure on both the Lions and Wallabies to claim the series win.

British & Irish Lions – 2025 Tour Fixtures:

The Lions Tour is steeped in history and unique traditions. The 2025 Lions will be captained by a yet-to-be-announced star (candidates will emerge during the Six Nations), and coached by an experienced staff aiming to meld players from four nations into a cohesive unit. Their itinerary includes mid-week matches against Australia’s Super Rugby clubs – e.g. the Reds in Brisbane and Waratahs in Sydney – which are often fiercely contested, as these teams seek a famous win over the Lions.

The tour also features innovative opposition: an ANZAC (Aus/NZ) Invitational XV on July 12 in Adelaide and a First Nations & Pasifika XV (celebrating Indigenous and Pacific Islander heritage) on July 22 in Melbourne. These add a cultural dimension to the tour and give the Lions different styles of rugby to overcome.

The crown jewels, of course, are the three Tests vs Australia on successive Saturdays (July 19, 26 and Aug 2). The Lions edged Australia in the 1989 and 2013 series, while Australia triumphed in 2001; this rubber match will be watched by millions. Key players like Dan Carter (for the Lions) and Michael Hooper (for Australia) – if selected – could define the series. Historically, Lions series often come down to a deciding third Test, and the August 2nd match in Sydney is already drawing enormous attention. For any rugby enthusiast, the Lions tour is a once-in-four-years spectacle, and 2025’s edition promises unforgettable moments on and off the field.

Scotland – 2025 Schedule

Scotland’s 2025 campaign includes the Six Nations, a summer tour of the Pacific, and a four-match autumn series at Murrayfield. In the Six Nations, Scotland have home games against Italy, Ireland, and Wales, and away fixtures at Twickenham and Paris – a balanced schedule as they aim to improve upon recent mid-table finishes.

In July, with many Scottish stars on Lions duty, Scotland will tour the South Pacific: they face a New Zealand Māori selection, then Tests in Fiji and against Samoa (played in Auckland). Scotland then host four Tests in November, highlighted by visits from New Zealand and Argentina.

Scotland – All Matches in 2025:

Scotland’s fans have a lot to look forward to in 2025. The Six Nations opener on Feb 1 at home to Italy will be targeted for a win, but the big early test is a week later versus Ireland – the Scots will seek payback for a heavy loss to Ireland in the 2024 championship.

The Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham on Feb 22 is always circled on the calendar; Scotland have had some famous wins over England in London in recent years (e.g. 2021 and 2023) and will hope to repeat that feat.

The summer tour is intriguing: Scotland rarely play the Māori All Blacks, an invitational side representing New Zealand’s indigenous players, so the July 5 match in Whangārei is a unique challenge. Test matches against Fiji (in Suva) and Samoa (moved to Auckland, likely due to venue considerations) will test Scotland’s depth – Fiji, in particular, have beaten Scotland before (most recently in 2017).

Moving to November, Scotland hosting the All Blacks on Nov 8 is a marquee event – Scotland have still never beaten New Zealand in over a century of trying, though they came within one score in 2022. A week later, Argentina visit Murrayfield; Scotland lost a home series to the Pumas in 2022 (1–2) and will want to assert themselves this time. The Scots wrap up against Tonga on Nov 23, a side that gave them a scare in the 2023 World Cup pool. With talismanic players like Finn Russell and a crop of young talent, Scotland will aim to turn competitive performances into big wins in 2025.

Wales – 2025 Schedule

Wales face a rebuilding year in 2025 under new leadership, with a full Six Nations slate, a summer tour to Japan, and four autumn Tests at home. In the Six Nations, Wales have a tough start away to France and Italy, but will relish home clashes with Ireland and England in Cardiff.

The mid-year tour sees Wales travel to Japan for two Tests – a rare visit last made in 2013. In November, Wales host Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa on consecutive weekends, giving Welsh fans a feast of top-tier opposition at the Principality Stadium.

Wales – All Matches in 2025:

Wales will be keen to bounce back from a mixed World Cup and Six Nations with this varied 2025 schedule. The Six Nations offers immediate high-stakes games: the opener in Paris on Jan 31 is a rematch of Wales’ last win over France in 2019.

A week later, Wales face Italy in Rome – a fixture that tripped them up in 2022 when Italy broke a long losing streak. When Wales host Ireland on Feb 22, it will recall the 2023 World Cup pool meeting where Wales upset the Irish; Cardiff will be roaring for another famous win. The duel with England on Mar 15 is always a highlight – Wales will attempt to reclaim the Triple Crown and avenge a stinging 14–68 defeat they suffered to England in 2025’s finale.

The July tour to Japan is an exciting chapter: Wales last toured Japan in 2013 (drawing the series 1–1), and Japan’s dynamic style will test Wales’ defense and adaptability in unfamiliar conditions. By autumn, Wales will have integrated new players and possibly a new coach, and they’ll face a daunting lineup at home.

The Nov 9 test against Argentina brings the Pumas team that knocked Wales out of the 2023 World Cup back to Cardiff – a chance for revenge. A week later, a second meeting of the year with Japan could be tricky if Wales underestimate the Brave Blossoms’ improvements. The final two Tests are blockbuster affairs: New Zealand on Nov 22 and South Africa on Nov 29. Wales famously have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953, coming agonizingly close on a few occasions; ending that 70+ year drought would be a monumental achievement.

The Springboks match will close out the international season, and Wales have recent positives against South Africa – including a home win in 2018 and pushing them hard in the 2021 Lions series warm-ups. These storied rivalries, plus the fresh challenge of Japan, make for a compelling Welsh schedule. Fans in Cardiff will pack the Principality, hopeful that 2025 brings resurgence and perhaps a few historic victories.

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Sources: The match fixtures and dates are based on official schedules from World Rugby and national unions. Notable historical context is drawn from past match results and records. The British & Irish Lions tour details are per the Lions 2025 itinerary and ESPN reporting. All venues and dates are accurate as announced for the 2025 international calendar. This comprehensive guide aims to help rugby enthusiasts plan their viewing and appreciate the rich rivalries on offer throughout 2025. Enjoy the rugby year!