Six Nations chiefs confirm rescheduled fixtures

SIX Nations bosses have confirmed rescheduled fixtures to complete the delayed 2020 tournament – and also plans for an eight-team expanded autumn Test series.

England will take on Italy in Rome and Wales will host Scotland, both on October 31, as the Six Nations can finally be completed after the coronavirus shutdown.

Ireland will host Italy in Dublin on October 24, before travelling to

Paris to face France on October 31. Wales are expected to take on Scotland at Twickenham, though there is still no official confirmation.

Cardiff’s 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.

Six Nations chiefs revealed their delight in being able to complete this year’s 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.

The Women’s Six Nations will be completed across the weekends of October 24, October 31 and December 5.

“We are absolutely thrilled to make this announcement,” said Six

Nations chief executive Ben Morel. “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.”