What Teams Are Playing in the Autumn Internationals 2025?

The Autumn Internationals return in 2025 with a packed schedule that sees the northern hemisphere host some of the world’s biggest rugby nations. Known officially as the Autumn Nations Series, this annual tournament brings together Tier 1 teams from Europe, Oceania, Africa, Asia and the Americas for a series of test matches that set the tone for the international rugby calendar. In this blog, we break down the confirmed fixtures, analyse what each team is bringing to the table and explain why the Autumn Internationals 2025 will be a key chapter in the build-up to the next Rugby World Cup cycle.

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Who’s Playing in the Autumn Internationals 2025?

The 2025 schedule features test matches involving the home nations England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales against top opposition including New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Fiji, Japan and the USA. France and Italy will also host matches against major sides.

Confirmed fixtures include:

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Week One: Saturday 1 November

• England v Australia (Twickenham)
• Ireland v New Zealand (Soldier Field, Chicago)
• Scotland v USA (Murrayfield)

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Week Two: 8–9 November

• England v Fiji (Twickenham)
• Scotland v New Zealand (Murrayfield)
• France v South Africa (Stade de France)
• Ireland v Japan (Aviva Stadium)

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Week Three: 15–16 November

• England v New Zealand (Twickenham)
• Ireland v Australia (Aviva Stadium)
• Scotland v Argentina (Murrayfield)
• France v Fiji (Bordeaux Metropole)
• Italy v South Africa (Allianz Stadium)

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Final Week: 22–29 November

• Wales v South Africa (Principality Stadium)
• Ireland v South Africa (Aviva Stadium)
• England v Argentina (Twickenham)

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Why These Fixtures Matter

The Autumn Internationals are often seen as more than a series of friendly test matches. For coaches and players, they serve as a crucial testing ground ahead of the Six Nations and long-term World Cup planning. The 2025 edition arrives two years out from the next World Cup, so expect line-up experimentation, new talent on show and tactical changes across the board. England’s back-to-back clashes with Australia and New Zealand will reveal the squad’s progress under Steve Borthwick. Ireland’s US-based opener against New Zealand reflects their growing international reach. Scotland will hope to gain consistency against teams they’ve historically struggled with, while Wales face the physical challenge of South Africa twice in three weeks.

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A Closer Look at Key Matchups

England v New Zealand – Twickenham

Always a blockbuster clash. With England rebuilding and the All Blacks introducing new leadership, this will be a strong test of both depth and direction.

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Ireland v New Zealand – Chicago

Ireland’s win over the All Blacks at Soldier Field in 2016 is now folklore. This rematch, far from home, is a bold scheduling move that could offer fireworks.

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France v South Africa

A rerun of their dramatic Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final. Both sides will field strong teams with something to prove.

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Wales v South Africa

Wales’ form has fluctuated in recent years and South Africa will bring the physical intensity. A good chance to test squad resilience.

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What to Expect from Each Nation

• England: Still under development. Key players like Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward and Maro Itoje are central to their plans. Watch for new selections in the back row.
• Ireland: Well-drilled and confident. They’ll be using this series to fine-tune combinations and trial backup options.
• Scotland: Finn Russell and Duhan van der Merwe continue to lead the charge. Results here will inform squad depth.
• Wales: Transition phase with a young core. Autumn Internationals could provide essential experience.
• New Zealand: In a transition period following coaching and player turnover. Still dangerous, always competitive.
• South Africa: Physically dominant and tactically sharp. Will rotate players but remain tough to beat.
• Australia: Also rebuilding but bringing flair and unpredictability. Important year for squad clarity.
• Fiji, Japan, USA: Outsiders with nothing to lose. Expect creativity, especially from Fiji and Japan.

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How Fans Can Prepare

Booking Tickets

Tickets for Twickenham, Aviva Stadium and other major venues go on sale early. High-demand matches like England v New Zealand and Ireland v South Africa will sell out fast.

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Hospitality Options

Premium hospitality for the Autumn Internationals 2025 is available at most major stadiums. Packages typically include pre-match dining, private lounges, pitchside seats and post-game entertainment. Ideal for corporate groups or those looking for a weekend experience.

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Travel Considerations

Some matches like Ireland v New Zealand in Chicago require international planning. Book early to secure best rates on flights and accommodation.

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Why Autumn Internationals Still Matter

Despite no tournament trophy, the Autumn Nations Series provides real context for teams developing towards future World Cups and Lions tours. Coaches use it to test combinations and give game time to emerging players. For fans, it’s a chance to see rare matchups on home soil. This series is also key for World Rugby rankings, which affect seeding for tournaments and the overall standing of national sides. Every win counts.