The 2012 autumn internationals, also known as the autumn tests, November tests and, in the Southern Hemisphere, the end of year tests, were international rugby union matches. They were predominantly played between visiting Southern Hemisphere countries and European nations.
The IRB introduced an International Rugby Series, to improve competitiveness ahead of the next World Cup, that included Tier 2 nations Tonga, Canada, Russia, Samoa and the United States. The first tournament was held at Colwyn Bay's Eirias Stadium in North Wales.
The tournament was in addition to those tests played between Tier 1 and Tier 2 nations. Wales and France hosted Samoa, England and Ireland hosted Fiji and Scotland and Italy hosted Tonga.
Both Georgia and Romania hosted Japan, while Portugal travelled to South America to play a two test tour, where they earn victories over Uruguay and Chile. Namibia hosted a tournament including Spain and Zimbabwe, with Spain winning both tests to clinch the tournament.