ORGANISERS SURE CHAMPIONSHIPS ‘WILL BE PLAYED’

THE Six Nations is still on course to begin next month as planned, despite the Covid chaos which has left club rugby in a state of upheaval and European tournaments in danger of being postponed. An official update is expected today from organisers EPCR regarding the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup pool fixtures due to take place over the next two weekends. The French Government have advised — but not ordered — their teams to avoid cross-border activities. This has led to speculation the Six Nations will be similarly disrupted, but those fears were partially allayed yesterday, at least for the time being. Bernard Laporte, president of the

French rugby federation, delivered a reassuring message about the prospects of the championship proceeding on schedule, providing the pandemic situation does not further deteriorate. He told RMC Sport: ‘There is no need to be worried for the Six Nations tournament. It will be played out, with an adapted health protocol.’ Sources have also told Sportsmail that preparations are continuing as if the showpiece event will be launched on February 6 when Italy take on France, before England host Scotland at an empty Twickenham. There is no appetite among the rights-holding broadcasters to consider postponing the tournament until the end of the season, as it would clash with the European football championships, even if the British & Irish Lions tour has been shifted to make room in rugby’s crowded calendar. There were rumours across the Channel that the Six Nations might have to go ahead in one location, to limit the movement of teams increasing the danger of infection. However, that scenario is not thought to be under consideration. Clubs are desperately seeking clarity about their activities over the coming fortnight. It was initially understood the French Government would block Top 14 teams from facing British opposition, which would in turn lead to the enforced suspension of the European events. Yet, the latest indications are they have merely issued guidance and that decisions on whether or not to participate will be left up to the league and clubs themselves. Meanwhile, the Women’s Six Nations is set to be postponed as a result of the escalating Covid crisis. It’s understood organisers have conceded defeat in efforts to stage the tournament in its traditional February and March window, with April and May now pencilled in as an alternative. The challenges over holding it alongside the men’s Six Nations are thought to be proving insurmountable.