What are the Autumn Internationals?

As autumn arrives and the days grow shorter, most people think of football. However, there is another sporting event that is just as thrilling and remains a hidden gem for many: the Rugby Autumn Internationals.

For passionate football fans who love atmosphere, tactics and emotion, these matches deliver all that – and more. This article explains what Autumn Internationals are, why they are so important in the world of rugby and why you should experience them live at least once.

The Autumn Internationals, also known as the Autumn Nations Series, are an annual series of international rugby union matches played in October and November.

During this period, major southern hemisphere rugby nations such as New Zealand (the All Blacks), Australia (the Wallabies), South Africa (the Springboks) and Argentina travel to Europe to play top northern hemisphere teams such as England, Ireland, France, Wales and Scotland.

These encounters are far more than just friendlies : they’re about pride, rivalry, and gauging form ahead of major tournaments such as the Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup.

The matches are held in iconic venues such as Twickenham Stadium in London, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and the Stade de France in Paris.

In short: world-class rugby, right here in Europe.

The 2025 Autumn Internationals once again bring together the world’s best rugby nations in an intense clash of styles – North vs. South, tradition vs. speed, experience vs. innovation.

The hosts are Europe’s Home Nations:
England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, joined by France and Italy.

Visitors include the powerhouse teams of the southern hemisphere, each with its own style and rugby culture: South Africa (reigning world champion), New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.

They’ll be joined by rising international teams such as Japan, USA, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

No other time of the year brings together so many different playing styles, cultures and fan traditions as November 2025.

The 2025 series promises top-class rugby once again, featuring fixtures like:

• England vs. Australia at Twickenham
• Ireland vs. New Zealand in Chicago (!)
• France vs. South Africa in Paris
• Italy vs. Australia in Udine
• Scotland vs. Argentina, Wales vs. Japan, England vs. Fiji – and many more
• And the grand finale: Wales vs. South Africa in Cardiff

Five weeks of world-class rugby, every weekend, across Europe – with one match even taking place on American soil for the first time.

It’s the perfect opportunity for newcomers to experience rugby’s unique blend of emotion, anthems, excitement, and global passion.

These games are not just sporting highlights – they are cultural experiences. Because in rugby, respect, tradition and unity matter just as much as power and speed.

World-class competition, close to home.
The best teams in the world come to Europe – often with their strongest line-ups.

Unforgettable stadium atmosphere.
Whether it’s rainy Twickenham or a floodlit night in Paris – the energy is electric.

Emotion & respect.
Rugby blends fierce physicality with fair play. Fans from both sides celebrate together.

Cultural highlights.
The All Blacks’ Haka, “Ireland’s Call”, the Welsh choir fire – every match is pure goosebumps.

Now is the perfect time to experience rugby live. With P1 Travel, securing official tickets and travel packages for the Autumn Internationals is easy and reliable, and is your gateway to an unforgettable sporting experience.