The Wallabies will launch their inaugural Nations Championship campaign against Ireland, the team that thrashed them 46-19 in Dublin on Saturday, their sixth loss in seven matches.

They will have plenty of time to prepare with the event being launched in July 2026, but barring a change of plan by Rugby Australia will still be under the command of Joe Schmidt, with Reds head coach Les Kiss not due to take over until the end of that month.

Schmidt will thus also oversee fixtures against France - who the Wallabies play this weekend, and Italy, who beat them earlier this month.

In November 2026 Australia will undertake what is in effect another 'Autumn Internationals' tour, visiting England, Scotland and Wales, but with the added competitive edge of being part of the Nations Championship.

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