The 2026 WXV Global Series are finally underway, with eighteen teams competing in World Rugby’s two-tier tournament that will take place from September to October.
England, Australia, France, New Zealand, South Africa, Wales, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, the United States of America, Canada, and Japan will compete in the first division, with the competition spanning six weekends.
Spain, the Netherlands, Fiji, Samoa, Hong Kong China, and Brazil will compete in the WXV Global Series Challenger over the next three weeks.
Now that we've covered the basics, let's take a closer look at what unfolded in Round 1 in the matches featuring European teams.
Las Leonas fell short of a remarkable result
Spain’s efforts to overcome the Fijiana challenge ultimately came to nothing, as the Pacific Island side overturned a 13-point deficit in the final minutes to emerge victorious, 38–32.
Amalia Argudo and Valentina Pérez tried to inspire their side towards victory, with the fullback creating several spectacular passages of play, while the no.8 looked unstoppable on the physical side of things.
Despite Fiji getting in the lead early on with two five-pointers, Spain fought back and managed to upend the game with two finishes of their own, along with ten kicking points landed by Argudo.
After the short ten-minute rest, Spain looked to be in control, bagging two more tries following sensational team plays concluded by Valentina Pérez and Amalia Argudo.
With 12 minutes left on the clock, it seemed that Spain was walking towards a great result. However, the Fijiana didn’t give up and found a way to the Spanish in-goal area three times, with Ivamere Nabura Rokowati, Adi Salote Nailolo and Repeka Adi Tove powering over the line.
Spain’s style of play deserves praise, as they showed some strong moments and plays. The key now is to maintain that momentum for the full 80 minutes in their bid to get back to their best level.
©Yu Chun Christopher Wong - World Rugby
The Netherlands mark opener with statement win!
Undoubtedly the performance of the weekend for the European sides, as Gareth Gilbert’s Netherlands were simply ruthless in their opening match of the Global Series Challenger, clinching a sensational 70-0 win over Samoa.
Esmee Ligtvoet and Jet Metz paired spectacularly well in the 9-10 combo, tearing apart the Samoan defence and unleashing their side’s full power.
Adding to that, the Dutch forward pack looked ravenous in its quest to dominate every facet of the game, with flanker Gwen van der Schoot scoring the opening try of the evening.
Before the break, the Oranje women landed five more tries, with Jen Metz converting two, taking a 39-0 lead into the break.
In the following 40 minutes, the Netherlands scored an additional 31 points, with Kika Mulling tallying a poker of finishes, while Linde van der Velden and van der Schoot bagged a brace each.
While the match may have looked short on drama, the Netherlands delivered an extraordinary performance that should leave future opponents with plenty to think about.
©Yu Chun Christopher Wong - World Rugby
England survives early scare to see past off determined Wallaroos
For those who were expecting a one-sided game, Australia made a point of showing that they were ready for the contest with Sione Fukuoka’s side, even managing to go into the break holding a 10-5 lead.
Although John Mitchell’s England were first to reach the whitewash following a triumphant charge, the Wallaroos resiliency and fighting spirit were rewarded with a try scored by Faliki Pohiva and duly converted by Samantha Wood – the scrum-half also slotted in a penalty kick.
Unfortunately for the visiting side, England turned up in the second half with the reigning World Cup champions adding seven tries to their tally, while Australia managed to bag their second finish following a good carry from Eva Karpani. After the dust had settled, the home side had locked in a 48-15 win.
The Red Roses' set-piece ultimately made the difference, outmatching the opposition physically to continue their winning streak that started back in 2023.
Canadian guests rain on Scotland’s parade at the Hive
Scotland gave it their best shot against Canada, but the 2025 Rugby World Cup runners-up were far too strong for the hosts, claiming a 64-26 win at the Hive.
Even with Sophie de Goede, Justine Pelletier and Emily Tuttosi starting from the bench, Canada were quick to take control of the match’s proceedings with back-rower Lizzie Gibson downing two finishes and Olivia Apps one of her own.
Evie Gallagher and Shona Campbell claimed the home side’s two first-half tries, but the Canadian opposition managed to find their way into the try area two more times, enjoying a 31-12 lead at half-time.
In the second string of 40 minutes, Canada extended their lead with an additional 33 points (tries from Olivia Apps, Omokhuale, Perry, Pelletier, Senft and Bauder) while Scotland had the chance to score two more from Lana Skeldon and Rhona Lloyd.
Kévin Rouet’s Canada showed yet again why they are currently one of the top-2 nations in the World, while Scotland is slowly starting to find their flow after the premature departure of Sione Fukuoka.
Black Ferns outmanoeuvre France at Lyon
Despite a valiant effort from France, the Black Ferns were the rightful winners of their clash at the Stade de Gerland, with the visiting side collecting a 28-14 win.
With Braxton Sorensen-McGee wearing the wizard hat, New Zealand applied strong pressure to the hosts since the opening stages of the game, finally grabbing their first finish of the day from Justine McGregor’s effort.
With Les Bleues set-piece experiencing issues throughout the clash, the Black Ferns extended their lead before the 30th minute mark with back-rower Mia Anderson finding the whitewash this time around.
After several attempts, the hosts managed to find a crack with the scrum-half legend Pauline Bourdon Sansus adding her name to the scoreboard.
Unfortunately for François Ratier’s side, the ‘Ferns’ dominance continued into the second half. The tourists controlled proceedings despite some individual efforts from the French players, and as in the opening 40 minutes, New Zealand scored two tries while France added one of their own to bring the final score to 28–14.
The action continues and you are able to watch all the action on Rugby Pass TV.
More information HERE
By Francisco Isaac
