Legendary fly-half Owen Farrell makes his return for England

With national teams rebuilding, clubs spending aggressively, breakaway competitions collapsing, and veteran stars reconsidering their futures, the stage is set for major upheaval across both hemispheres.

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From coaching shake-ups to shock international recalls, from the rise of corporate-backed clubs to the fall of ambitious new leagues, 2026 could deliver storylines that shift rugby’s landscape for years to come.

Here are the bold predictions that might just come true.

Despite Gregor Townsend’s contract running through 2027, 2026 could mark the end of his long tenure in charge of Scotland. His side’s recent inconsistency — highlighted by the shocking 21–0 collapse to Argentina in the autumn — has intensified scrutiny around his leadership.

Adding to the pressure is Townsend’s controversial decision to take on a parallel consultancy role with the newly rebranded Newcastle Red Bulls. Many within Scottish Rugby and the fanbase feel the national side is no longer his sole focus.

If Scotland stumble again in the 2026 Six Nations, particularly if they finish outside the top half, this could finally be the moment the SRU decides to move on. Years of “nearly” performances may come to a head.

Owen Farrell’s return to Saracens after his brief spell in France instantly made him eligible for England selection once more. While he has stepped back from the national setup in recent seasons, the door has never been fully shut.

With England still searching for a stabilising, experienced playmaker in pressure situations — especially in the run-up to the 2027 World Cup — 2026 could be the year Farrell is recalled for a key test window or even a crunch Six Nations match.

He may not return as a long-term starter, but a “break glass in case of emergency” cameo for England feels increasingly likely.

England have been trending upward, blending a core of experienced internationals with an exciting next generation. With rivals such as Ireland and France potentially entering transitional periods, 2026 presents a realistic opportunity for England to reclaim northern hemisphere dominance.

If they find consistency early in the campaign — and if Farrell’s potential return provides the leadership boost some believe they lack — they could power their way to the championship, setting a strong foundation ahead of 2027.

The ambitious R360 global franchise league has already been pushed back from a 2026 launch to 2028. But the writing may be on the wall. With major unions banning players who sign for the project, commercial partners easing away, and player contracts collapsing, the concept has lost its early momentum.

By late 2026, the league may be formally shelved or quietly abandoned altogether. Its grand vision of a “Formula 1-style” international rugby circuit could become another cautionary tale about challenging the game’s traditional power structures.

One club ready to break tradition, however, is the newly rebranded Newcastle Red Bulls. With major financial backing and aggressive long-term ambitions, the club is expected to make a statement signing in 2026 — and a marquee fly-half seems the obvious target.

Whether they pull from the Top 14, Super Rugby, or a frustrated R360-linked star seeking stability, Newcastle look poised to make a splash signing that shifts the balance of power in the league. A world-class No.10 would instantly transform them from a rebuild project into a legitimate force.