Global Information2016 June rugby union tests information
The 2016 mid-year rugby union internationals (also known as the summer internationals in the Northern Hemisphere) are international rugby union matches that were mostly played in the Southern Hemisphere during the June international window.
The matches were part of World Rugby's global rugby calendar (2012–19) that included Test matches between the touring Northern Hemisphere nations and the home Southern Hemisphere nations, whilst some of the touring teams played mid-week matches against provincial or regional sides. In addition to this, the global calendar gave Tier 2 nations the opportunity to host Tier 1 nations outside the November international window, intended to increase competitiveness from the Tier 2 sides.
All Six Nations teams were in action. The grand slam winners England played a three-test series against Rugby Championship champions Australia. South Africa hosted a three-test series against Ireland, while Wales toured New Zealand, where they played the a three-test series against the world champions, and played a mid-week match against the Chiefs. Wales also played a single match against England for the Old Mutual Wealth Cup before travelling to New Zealand. Argentina hosted Italy, before they played a two-test series against France, whilst Italy played Canada and the United States.
2019 World Cup hosts Japan hosted Scotland for a two-test series, whilst they also played away to Canada in a first ever rugby union Test match at BC Place. Russia toured North America for the first time sonce 2010, playing tests against both Canada and the United States.
Georgia traveled to the Pacific Islands, where Fiji and Samoa each hosted the Lelos for the first time; Georgia also faced Tonga at a neutral venue in Fiji. Brazil hosted Kenya, the first time Brazil had hosted an African nation.