The final two rounds of the 2020 Six Nations will be played across the last two weekends of October, the tournament’s organisers have confirmed.
This comes after the World Rugby Council approved a temporary Test window between 24 October and the first weekend of December while also approving a temporary adjustment to Regulation 9 to accommodate the release of international players.
The Six Nations on Wednesday confirmed that the final two rounds of the 2020 season – which were postponed back in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic – will now be able to take place in that Test window.
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The round-four match between Ireland and Italy in Dublin will take place on 24 October, with a time still to be confirmed.
The fifth and final round of the 2020 tournament will take place on 31 October, with England, France, Scotland and Ireland all still contesting for the title.
England currently lead the standings but are tied with France on 13 points. Scotland are in third place on 10 points, while Ireland sit in fourth with nine points and a game in hand against Italy.
‘We are absolutely thrilled to make this announcement today,’ Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel said. ‘Whilst the past few months have been extremely challenging, we have always remained hopeful of concluding this year’s tournament and we are really looking forward to the final games in the Men’s and Women’s Championships. There is still so much to play for, and we are hugely excited for what lies ahead.
‘Public health remains the number one priority and while we must continue to be vigilant and cognisant of the dynamic and fast-changing external environment, we are nonetheless extremely pleased to be moving in the right direction.’
The Six Nations added that it is pursuing contingency plans for the November international as ongoing travel restrictions are likely to prevent southern-hemisphere nations from travelling to the north.
This tournament will be a unique eight-team competition, involving the Six Nations unions and two other international teams – rumoured to be Japan and Fiji. Further announcements relating to this competition are expected later this month.
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2020 Six Nations schedule
Round 4:
24.10.2020 – Ireland vs Italy – Time TBC – Aviva Stadium
Round 5:
31.10.2020 – Wales vs Scotland – 2:15pm – Venue TBC
31.10.2020 – Italy vs England – 4:45pm – Stadio Olimpico
31.10.2020 – France vs Ireland – 8pm – Stade de France
Photo: EPA/Facundo Arrizabalaga/BackpagePix
