A new format will be introduced for the Student Four Nations competition for 2026. Previously played for over a week at a central location, the games will now be contested over three separate weekends.
This year’s will be the 20th staging, having begun in 1994.
Holders England travel to Scotland in the opening round on Saturday 16 May. England Lions programme manager, Alan Davidson, commented: “We have already begun our preparations and are aware that the other nations will also be more organised than previously and are looking forward to highly competitive games.”
Ireland host Wales in their opening games a week later in Dublin. “At student level, we are rejuvenated and looking forward to being more competitive than last year,” noted Rugby League Ireland chair, Jim Reynolds.
England take on Ireland on Saturday 6 June in round two, Wales hosting Scotland the following day.
Wales RL performance director, Clive Griffiths, said: “Our students team preparation has been earlier than ever and we have already played four friendlies to help the squad to gel, which includes regaining the Simon Weston Challenge Cup after victory over the Royal Air Force .”
“The students will have a couple of players missing through injury or other commitments but are still expecting to give a good account of themselves, with players looking to push for opportunities at open age level,” claimed Scotland RL operations director, Barry McGuffog.
In the final round of games, Scotland play Ireland, again in Hawick, on Saturday 20 June with Wales coming up against England later that day at The Gnoll.
2026 Student Four Nations Fixtures
Scotland v England – Hawick RFC – Saturday 16 May, kick off 3pm
Ireland v Wales – Garda Westmanstown RFC, Saturday 23 May, 3pm
England v Ireland – Halton Farnworth Hornets, Saturday 6 June, 1pm
Wales v Scotland – Merthyr RFC, Sunday 7 June, 5pm
Scotland v Ireland – Hawick RFC, Saturday 20 June, 2.30pm
Wales v England – The Gnoll, Saturday 20 June, 6pm
