Quilter Nations Series 2025: As It Happened

The Quilter Nations Series 2025 delivered one of the most compelling autumn windows in recent years, bringing together twelve nations in a showcase of intensity, emerging talent, and shifting global dynamics. Across packed stadiums and high-pressure matchups, every team arrived with something to prove – whether it was cementing world-leading form, rebuilding after a tough year, or giving rising stars their first chance to shine on the international stage. The competition produced dramatic finishes, breakout performances, and a handful of surprise storylines that kept fans talking long after the final whistle. In this full review, we break down how each nation performed, who led from the front, and which fresh faces made their mark on the world stage.

Quilter Nations Series 2025 – Results by Week

Week 1 (Sat 1 November 2025)
England 25-7 Australia
South Africa 61-7 Japan
Scotland 85-0 USA
Ireland 13-26 New Zealand

Week 2 (Sat 8 November / Sun 9 November 2025)
Ireland 41-10 Japan
Scotland 17-25 New Zealand
England 38-18 Fiji
Italy 26-19 Australia
France 17-32 South Africa
Wales 28-52 Argentina

Week 3 (Sat 15 / Sun 16 November 2025)
Italy 14-32 South Africa
England 33-19 New Zealand
Wales 24-23 Japan
France 34-21 Fiji
Ireland 46-19 Australia
Scotland 24-33 Argentina

Week 4 (Sat 22 / Sun 23 November 2025)
Wales 26-52 New Zealand
Ireland 13-24 South Africa
France 48-33 Australia
Italy 34-19 Chile
Scotland 56-0 Tonga
England 27-23 Argentina

England

England came through the Quilter Nations Series looking far more assured and balanced than in recent campaigns. Their game plan was built on strong territory control, a confident kicking strategy and patient attack, supported by a forward pack that consistently gave them a platform. Defensively they tightened up, showing much better organisation and resilience in pressure moments. The squad rotated well, young players stepped up, and the team left the Series with a clear identity and a sense of real progression.

Star player: George Ford – Ford managed games with complete calm, guiding England around the field with precise kicking, smart distribution and perfect control of tempo. His ability to read the flow of a match was central to England winning key moments.
Standout player: Ollie Lawrence – Lawrence regularly shifted momentum with his powerful carries, beating defenders, winning collisions and giving England front-foot ball whenever matches tightened.
Breakthrough player: Henry Pollock – Pollock’s performances showed maturity beyond his age, combining aggressive running with sharp finishing and a confidence that immediately marked him as England’s next major talent.

Henry Pollock is fast becoming one of England Rugby’s most influential players

Ireland

Ireland delivered one of the most structured and consistent campaigns of the entire Series. Their discipline in attack, accuracy at the breakdown and intelligent kicking game allowed them to control long stretches of matches. They blended experience with youth effectively, maintaining their trademark composure even against more physical opposition. The squad looked well-drilled, adaptable and increasingly comfortable in both tight exchanges and fast, flowing phases.

Star player: Caelan Doris –Doris dominated both sides of the ball, carrying with purpose and repeatedly winning crucial breakdown moments. His leadership and work rate glued Ireland’s performances together.
Standout player: James Lowe –Lowe’s energy was constant, combining clever finishing with strong defensive reads and big territory gains through his left boot.
Breakthrough player: Sam Prendergast –Prendergast showed exceptional confidence for such a young playmaker, controlling passages of play with smart kicking choices and a calmness that impressed supporters and coaches.

Scotland

Scotland mixed grit with ambition, producing some of the most entertaining attacking sequences of the Series. Their willingness to play expansively, combined with improved discipline and defensive work, helped them push top-tier sides close. When their attack clicked, Scotland looked genuinely dangerous, and several players stepped up to deliver statement performances that should serve as a foundation for future success.

Star player: Finn Russell –Russell’s vision and creativity continually opened space, using clever kicks, delayed passes and quick decision-making to keep Scotland unpredictable.
Standout player: Duhan van der Merwe – Van der Merwe’s power, pace and one-on-one dominance made him a constant threat, scoring and creating moments that swung matches.
Breakthrough player: Harry Paterson –Paterson brought sharp footwork and calm finishing, looking assured under pressure and proving he can perform in big fixtures.

Wales

Wales experienced a campaign filled with encouraging flashes and frustrating inconsistencies. Their attack showed real pace and ambition at times, yet lapses in defence and set-piece execution created challenges. Despite this, the integration of younger players brought energy and new combinations began to take shape. The Series felt like a constructive step in a long-term rebuild, with several performances hinting at a more stable future.

Star player: Jac Morgan – Morgan led from the front, tackling relentlessly, competing ferociously at the breakdown and maintaining high standards in every match.
Standout player: Rio Dyer – Dyer’s acceleration and direct running kept defenders guessing, and he consistently turned half-chances into dangerous opportunities.
Breakthrough player: Cameron Winnett – Winnett showed superb awareness and confidence, offering attacking spark and reliable support play across the backfield.

Australia

Australia’s Series showcased both encouraging development and familiar inconsistencies. At their best, they played fast, bold rugby with inventive attacking shapes and strong carrying. Young stars received vital minutes as the Wallabies continued to rebuild towards a more settled identity. While lapses in discipline hurt them, their attacking potential and growing depth were real positives.

Star player: Rob Valetini –Valetini was immense across the park, carrying through heavy traffic, dominating collisions and giving Australia front-foot momentum in every match.
Standout player: Mark Nawaqanitawase – Nawaqanitawase combined raw power with impressive finishing, turning broken play into match-changing line breaks.
Breakthrough player: Tom Lynagh –Lynagh showed the instinct and composure of a seasoned fly-half, guiding attacks confidently and demonstrating impressive decision-making.

USA

The USA approached the Series as a vital learning phase, gaining experience against elite opposition and continuing to shape their long-term identity. Their performances were full of heart, with moments of pace and ambition that highlighted the side’s potential. Experienced players provided composure while younger squad members embraced the step up in intensity.

Star player: AJ MacGinty –McGinty’s control, steady kicking and calm leadership were crucial, helping the USA stay organised in high-pressure moments.
Standout player: Paul Lasike – Lasike’s powerful carries repeatedly lifted the team, smashing over the gain line and forcing defences to compress.
Breakthrough player: Nate Augspurger – Augspurger brought speed, sharp support lines and a burst of energy that changed the tempo whenever he was involved.

Japan

Japan stayed true to their trademark style: lightning-quick ball movement, clever support play and dynamic running lines that stretched opponents. Their attack looked dangerous throughout the campaign, producing several beautifully constructed tries. While they sometimes struggled against heavier packs, their speed and accuracy made them one of the most entertaining sides of the Series.

Star player: Kazuki Himeno – Himeno worked tirelessly at the breakdown, tackled with intensity and carried with real commitment, driving Japan forward at key moments.
Standout player: Rikiya Matsuda – Matsuda controlled matches with intelligence, kicking accurately and calmly steering Japan’s attacking tempo.
Breakthrough player: Atora Tsushima – Tsushima injected flair and creativity, showing rapid acceleration and sharp instincts that made him a constant attacking spark.

New Zealand

New Zealand reminded everyone of their world-class standards, blending physical dominance with clinical execution. Their attack was ruthless when opportunities appeared, and their breakdown presence allowed them to control momentum. Even in tighter matches, their composure and ability to finish chances made them one of the most polished teams in the Series.

Star player: Ardie Savea – Savea was consistently outstanding, combining destructive carries with incredible work rate and leadership in the tight exchanges.
Standout player: Will Jordan – Jordan’s timing, footwork and finishing instinct made him deadly, turning half-chances into tries with ease.
Breakthrough player: Cortez Ratima – Ratima looked sharp and confident, delivering crisp service and making intelligent attacking decisions.

Fiji

Fiji lit up the Series with breathtaking offloads, fearless carries and some of the most exciting moments of the entire campaign. Their natural flair shone through in every match, though inconsistency in set-piece and defence occasionally cost them. Even so, their energy, unpredictability and sheer athleticism made them a team nobody enjoyed facing.

Star player: Levani Botia – Botia was a menace in contact, dominating tackles and turnovers while providing huge physical presence both on and off the ball.
Standout player: Josua Tuisova – Tuisova’s power and explosiveness terrified defences, creating line breaks that flipped momentum instantly.
Breakthrough player: Ilaisa Droasese – Droasese impressed with smart positioning, creative touches and the confidence to attack space whenever he saw it.

Italy

Italy continued their impressive upward curve, offering disciplined, composed performances that showed real tactical growth. Their set-piece improved, their defensive organisation held strong, and their attack looked more purposeful than in previous years. They earned respect throughout the Series and demonstrated they’re no longer an easy fixture for anyone.

Star player: Michele Lamaro – Lamaro set the tone with relentless tackling, strong leadership and constant involvement in the tight areas.
Standout player: Ange Capuozzo – Capuozzo brought electric speed and magical footwork, igniting attacks and finishing chances with real class.
Breakthrough player: Ross Vintcent – Vintcent’s power, mobility and confidence with ball in hand made him one of Italy’s most exciting emerging forwards.

France

France showcased their trademark flair and physicality, combining sharp offloading with powerful running and strong set-piece foundations. Their attack looked dangerous throughout the Series, and their depth allowed them to rotate without losing quality. While defensive lapses appeared at times, their overall quality and creativity were undeniable.

Star player: Antoine Dupont – Dupont controlled matches with his speed, vision and precision, creating scoring opportunities from seemingly nothing.
Standout player: Damian Penaud – Penaud was lethal out wide, mixing pace with clever movement and finishing with world-class consistency.
Breakthrough player: Louis Bielle-Biarrey – Bielle-Biarrey showed extraordinary maturity, timing his runs perfectly and displaying the confidence of a seasoned international.

South Africa

South Africa were a brutally efficient force, dictating matches through their physical dominance, structured defence and ruthless game management. Their set-piece was a major weapon, and their ability to squeeze opponents until mistakes came remained unmatched. The Springboks once again demonstrated why they’re one of the toughest sides in world rugby.

Star player: Siya Kolisi – Kolisi led with heart and intensity, defending relentlessly and inspiring the team through his work ethic and composure.
Standout player: Kurt-Lee Arendse – Arendse’s acceleration and finishing ability made him devastating whenever he received clean ball.
Breakthrough player: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – Feinberg-Mngomezulu delivered confident, creative performances, showing the skill set of a future Springbok star.

Tonga

Tonga approached the Series with their trademark physicality, heart and commitment, showing clear improvements in structure and defensive organisation. Their powerful ball carriers caused problems for opponents, and although they faced tough fixtures, the team showed real determination and moments of exciting attacking flair. The campaign gave valuable experience to emerging players, laying strong foundations for future growth.

Star player: Charles Piutau – Piutau brought world-class quality to Tonga’s backline, beating defenders with ease, creating opportunities from broken play and offering vital calmness under pressure.
Standout player: Vaea Fifita – Fifita’s athleticism and work rate stood out, dominating collisions and providing huge impact in both attack and defence.
Breakthrough player: Kyren Taumoefolau – Taumoefolau impressed with his speed, sharp footwork and willingness to take on defenders, marking him as one of Tonga’s most exciting young prospects.

Chile

Chile used the Series as a major development opportunity, building on their World Cup experience and continuing to raise their standard against top-tier opposition. Their commitment in defence, aggressive tackling and strong team chemistry were evident throughout. Despite facing powerful opponents, Chile never shied away from the challenge, showing resilience and flashes of promising attacking play that signal a bright future.

Star player: Martín Sigren – Sigren led by example, delivering huge defensive performances, rallying the team in difficult moments and demonstrating exceptional leadership.
Standout player: Rodrigo Fernández – Fernández brought energy and creativity at fly-half, attacking the line bravely and sparking some of Chile’s best attacking sequences.
Breakthrough player: Clemente Saavedra – Saavedra showed impressive maturity, strong work rate and powerful carrying, proving he can be a long-term figure for Chile’s forward pack.

That brings the Quilter Nations Series 2025 to a close, after a few brilliant weeks of top-class rugby, standout performances and plenty of new talent announcing themselves on the big stage. Every nation brought something different, and together they made this one of the most exciting autumns we’ve had in a while.

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Rugby Elsewhere This Weekend:

South Africa v Wales

With a score of 73 – 0 to South Africa, the match kicked off with South Africa making an immediate statement of intent. Within minutes, their pack was rumbling forward, smashing over the gain line and forcing Wales onto the back foot. An early try – built on dominant carries and crisp support lines – set the tone for what quickly became a physical mismatch. Wales struggled to slow the Springbok momentum, with South Africa winning the collisions, the breakdown, and the territorial battle almost effortlessly.

As the first half unfolded, the Springboks’ discipline and structure shone through. Their kicking game was sharp, constantly turning Wales and keeping them pinned deep. A perfectly executed rolling maul early in the second half added another try, underlining South Africa’s complete control of the forward exchanges. Later, a slick counter-attacking move saw the Boks stretch their lead further, showcasing not just brute force but pace and precision across the park.

Wales did show glimpses of promise – a couple of half-breaks out wide, some smart link-up phases, and a well-earned penalty that briefly halted the scoreboard pressure. But every time Wales threatened to build momentum, South Africa shut it down with brutal accuracy. The physical toll was clear as the game progressed; Wales worked tirelessly, but the Springboks were simply operating on another level.

Star Players

South Africa – Player of the Match: Jasper Wiese
Wiese delivered a powerhouse performance from start to finish. His carries were destructive, consistently putting South Africa on the front foot. Defensively, he was immense – chopping down runners, smashing rucks, and setting the standard for Springbok physicality. He embodied everything that made this performance so dominant.

Wales – Standout Performer: Tommy Reffell
Reffell was one of the few bright sparks for Wales. He battled relentlessly at the breakdown, slowing South African ball whenever he had the slightest window. His defensive work rate was outstanding, repeatedly putting his body on the line and offering a bit of stability in a tough evening for the Welsh pack. Even in defeat, he proved why he’s such a key figure in this Welsh side.

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