French Rugby president Bernard Laporte appears to have leaked the return date for the Six Nations tournament.

The competition was abruptly ended in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic with Italy, in particular, one of the early victims.

Despite no official confirmation yet by the Six Nations organisers, Laporte told a news conference on Sunday that the competition will indeed continue this year.

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‘Yes, France-Ireland is announced for October 31,’ the former French coach answered to a question on whether it will go ahead or not.

Ireland and Italy, though, are expected to complete their penultimate- round fixture a week earlier, before the competition draws to a close with a final round of fixtures.

World Rugby is set to announce a revised international season before the end of this month, which could lead to a dramatic finish to the Six Nations with England, France and Ireland still in with a chance of winning.