England confirm six home fixtures as World Rugby approves autumn schedule - Ruck

England confirm six home fixtures as World Rugby approves autumn schedule

The postponed 2020 Six Nations campaigns will conclude on the weekends of 24 and 31 October, World Rugby has announced.

Ireland will take on Italy on 24 October, the same day as the Premiership final with England then planning to play the Barbarians the following day.

This year’s autumn Tests are then expected to be replaced by an eight-team tournament in which the Six Nations sides will be joined by Japan and Fiji.

Here are the groups that have been drawn up.

POOL A

  • England
  • Wales
  • Ireland
  • Fiji

POOL B

  • Scotland
  • France
  • Italy
  • Japan

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said in a statement: “The global Covid-19 pandemic has been unprecedented in its impact on society and sport and throughout this process, all parties have sought to deliver the best-possible outcome to support the interests of international and club rugby and the players.

“Agreement and approval of this schedule is exciting for players and fans and an important step in supporting our unions in mitigating financial impact and optimising the sport’s return from the pandemic in an equitable way.

“These matches will be greatly anticipated by all, and I would like to thank unions, the international and club competitions and players for their input and the fans for their patience as we have sought to get international rugby back up and running.”

ENGLAND FIXTURES

25th October – England vs Barbarians (Friendly)

31st October – Italy vs England (Six Nations)

14th November – England vs Wales

21st November – England vs Ireland

28th November – England vs Fiji

5th December – England vs Unknown (Play-off game)


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