RFC WHAT TO WATCH · WHERE TO FOLLOW · WHY IT MATTERS
The Springboks and All Blacks bring one of rugby’s greatest rivalries to Baltimore. The USA Men’s Eagles face Japan with a place in the Pacific Nations Cup final at stake, the new WXV Global Series begins, and another major weekend of American college and club rugby gets underway.
Baltimore gets the Springboks and All Blacks. The Eagles get a semifinal.
Rugby this weekend brings one of the biggest international matches of the year to the United States, with South Africa and New Zealand meeting in Baltimore.
There are weekends when American rugby fans have to look overseas for the biggest games in the sport.
This is not one of them.
South Africa and New Zealand bring their four-Test series to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday, putting one of international rugby’s defining rivalries on American soil.
Hours earlier in Osaka, the USA Men’s Eagles face Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup semifinals with a place in the September 19 championship match at stake.
The new WXV Global Series also begins Saturday, while the American fall season continues across NIRA, men’s college rugby and USA club competitions.
Here is what Rugby Fan Central is watching from September 11–13.
RFC WATCH GUIDE WHERE TO WATCH RUGBY THIS WEEKEND →AFRICA
ZEALAND
The fourth and final Test of the 2026 series brings South Africa and New Zealand to Baltimore with the Springboks holding a 2–1 series lead.
South Africa can close the series with a 3–1 victory. New Zealand needs to win in Baltimore to leave the four-Test series tied at two wins apiece.
Baltimore gets a match American rugby rarely sees.
South Africa against New Zealand needs little introduction. The two nations have built one of international rugby’s defining rivalries.
Saturday brings that rivalry to the United States.
South Africa arrives at M&T Bank Stadium leading the series 2–1 after defeating New Zealand 29–24 in Soweto last weekend.
The Springboks therefore have an opportunity to finish the four-Test series with three victories.
The All Blacks have one last opportunity to answer. A New Zealand victory would leave the Test series tied 2–2.
There is also significant team news. South Africa has made only two changes to the starting XV that won in Soweto, while New Zealand has reshuffled its lineup for the finale.
Codie Taylor captains the All Blacks and Richie Mo’unga returns at flyhalf as New Zealand attempts to finish the series with a victory.
One of rugby’s biggest rivalries. On American soil. With the series still alive.
WIN. ADVANCE.
Before the Springboks and All Blacks take over Baltimore, the USA Men’s Eagles have their own major assignment: beat Japan and advance to the Pacific Nations Cup final.
The winner advances to the Pacific Nations Cup final at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday, September 19.
There is no complicated equation for the Eagles. A win over Japan puts the United States into the Pacific Nations Cup championship match.
An early alarm worth setting.
Baltimore may host the weekend’s biggest rugby spectacle, but Japan–USA carries enormous importance for the American national team.
The Eagles are one victory away from playing for the Pacific Nations Cup title.
A new era begins Saturday.
WXV returns with a new format in 2026.
Rather than the previous tournament structure based in one host country, the WXV Global Series introduces a home-and-away international window involving leading women’s national teams.
The opening Saturday brings three significant Tests: world champion England hosts Australia, Scotland welcomes Canada, and France meets New Zealand in Lyon.
France–New Zealand is a rematch of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup bronze final, while Scotland gets an immediate test against Canada.
England enters the new series as reigning world champion.
THE FALL SEASON BUILDS.
The college schedule expands again this weekend with important women’s and men’s matches stretching from Friday night through Sunday.
Streaming for other college matches varies by school. Check official school channels and RFC’s Rugby on TV guide for current listings.
Saturday · 12:00 PM ET · 11:00 AM CT · Brophy Field · ESPN+
Dartmouth could hardly have started its season better, defeating Army 41–8 last weekend.
Now comes a very different challenge. Life arrives in Hanover after winning three national championships across multiple formats during the 2025–26 season.
One important distinction: this is a non-conference match. Life is not a member of NIRA.
Brown at Harvard.
Both programs arrive after opening-weekend victories.
Harvard survived a late Sacred Heart comeback to win 26–24, while Brown defeated Navy 33–17.
ESPN+ is confirmed for the matchup. Brown and Harvard have published conflicting kickoff times, so supporters should check the official listing before kickoff.
Saturday · 4:00 PM ET · 3:00 PM CT · West IM Fields · University Park
Penn State enters its second match after opening the fall with a 74–0 victory over the Happy Valley Barbarians.
St. Thomas visits Army.
Army hosts St. Thomas of Florida at Anderson Rugby Complex Friday at 7:00 PM ET.
The Black Knights enter after victories over Queens and Guelph.
ANOTHER FULL SATURDAY.
The Midwest fall season continues Saturday with another substantial men’s and women’s schedule.
Check individual club websites, social accounts and RFC’s Rugby on TV guide for live-stream information when available.
Both teams arrive after victories last weekend.
Chicago Blaze defeated the St. Louis Bombers 64–19, while Metropolis beat the Kansas City Blues 19–13.
That makes Saturday’s meeting an early matchup between two winning sides in the Midwest men’s D1 schedule.
THE WEEKEND
AT A GLANCE.
More rugby. One place to find it.
Rugby Fan Central’s Rugby This Weekend guide highlights selected matches and storylines for American rugby fans. It is not intended to list every rugby match being played around the world.
For additional fixtures and kickoff times, visit the RFC Rugby Calendar. For current U.S. television and streaming information, use RFC’s Rugby on TV guide.
Schedule and broadcast information is compiled from publicly available competition, team and broadcaster sources. Kickoff times and viewing information can change, and RFC works to keep listings as accurate and current as possible.
