08 November 2026
The opening weekend of the Nations Championship delivered outstanding individual performances across both hemispheres.
The player of the week award and highest overall rating went to Welsh right-wing Louis Rees-Zammit, who was the standout performer in the backline. In the forward pack, English tighthead prop Joe Heyes and Scottish hooker Ewan Ashman shared top honours for their immense work rate and try-scoring contributions.
England dominated the team of the week selection, with a total of six players making the cut.
Nations Cup Week 4 Team of the Week:
* 15 Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
* 14 Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
* 13 Henry Slade (England)
* 12 Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
* 11 Ethan Hooker (South Africa)
* 10 Fin Smith (England)
* 9 Antoine Dupont (France)
* 8 Jasper Wiese (South Africa)
* 7 Kitione Salawa (Fiji)
* 6 Ollie Chessum (England)
* 5 Warner Dearns (Japan)
* 4 Maro Itoje (England)
* 3 Joe Heyes (England)
* 2 Ewan Ashman (Scotland)
* 1 Nicky Smith (Wales)