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Six Nations bosses have confirmed rescheduled fixtures to complete the delayed 2020 tournament \u2013 and also plans for an eight-team expanded autumn Test series.<\/p>\nSix Nations bosses have confirmed rescheduled fixtures to complete the delayed 2020 tournament \u2013 and also plans for an eight-team expanded autumn Test series.<\/p>\n
Ireland will host Italy in Dublin on October 24th, before travelling to Paris to face France on October 31st.<\/p>\n
England will take on Italy in Rome and Wales will host Scotland, both on October 31st as the Six Nations can finally be completed after the coronavirus shutdown.<\/p>\n
Wales are expected to take on Scotland at Twickenham, though there is still no official confirmation.<\/p>\n
Cardiff\u2019s Principality Stadium remains a standby hospital in case of a second spike of the pandemic, with no date set before it can return as a rugby venue.<\/p>\n
Six Nations chiefs revealed their delight in being able to complete this year\u2019s tournament, while also confirming the eight-team autumn series. Fiji and Japan are understood to be joining the Six Nations sides for the expanded autumn schedule.<\/p>\n
The Women\u2019s Six Nations will be completed across the weekends of October 24th, October 31st and December 5th.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are absolutely thrilled to make this announcement today,\u201d said Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst the past few months have been extremely challenging, we have always remained hopeful of concluding this year\u2019s tournament and we are really looking forward to the final games in the Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s Championships.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is still so much to play for, and we are hugely excited for what lies ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cPublic health remains the number one priority and while we must continue to be vigilant and cognizant of the dynamic and fast changing external environment, we are nonetheless extremely pleased to be moving in the right direction.\u201d<\/p>\n
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In confirming plans for the eight-team autumn Test tournament, Six Nations bosses conceded this would prove a one-off event due to the coronavirus impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn recent weeks, Six Nations has also been progressing contingency plans for an alternative tournament format in place of the Autumn Internationals for 2020, primarily driven by travel restrictions not allowing many international teams to play the scheduled matches,\u201d read the statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis tournament will be a unique eight-team competition, involving the Six Nations unions and two other international teams.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are currently finalizing match schedules, operational details including venues as well as commercial arrangements.<\/p>\n
\u201cFurther announcements relating to this competition are expected to be made later this month.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Six Nations Under-20s tournament will not be completed however, with no team crowned champions for 2020.<\/p>\n
Six Nations bosses are still working to determine whether supporters will be able to attend matches.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn rescheduling these matches, the health and safety of players, associated staff and supporters has been at the forefront of our thinking,\u201d read a Six Nations statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe remain in close contact with all relevant authorities across the respective jurisdictions to ensure these matches take place in a safe environment and we will announce further details of health and safety protocols and guidance on spectator attendance in due course.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith regards to the U20 Six Nations championship, due to season scheduling constraints, it was decided that the three outstanding matches would not be played and there would be no winner for the 2020 Championship.\u201d<\/p>\n