Eddie ready for biosphere breach

ENGLAND are braced for the likelihood of a player breaching Covid-19 protocols if they are forced to operate in a ‘severe biosphere’ for their autumn campaign — although that is in doubt. The RFU hierarchy have been alerted to the inevitability of a member — or members — of the squad failing to adhere to isolation guidelines throughout their long spell in the camp. England are due to base themselves in a familiar hotel close to Twickenham, where they can use extensive training facilities on site, as part of plans to exist in a ‘bubble’. However, it is unclear how strict the regulations will be in terms of Covid health and safety. Sources have indicated that Wales — set to be based in London — are pushing for the option of returning home to see families at certain junctures during the eight-team tournament which is due to take place in November. If Six Nations officials allow such flexibility, it is understood that England will relax their strict plans for what head coach Eddie Jones called a ‘severe biosphere’. Meanwhile, after reports that South Africa were destined to take the place in the eight-nations tournament vacated by Japan, Sportsmail has learned that Georgia will be the side to fill the void, in a pool also containing France, Italy and Scotland.