Autumn Nations Cup begins this Friday 13th (let's hope that is not a bad omen), it consists of four rounds with England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy, Georgia and Fiji competing. Amazon Prime have the main broadcast rights for the tournament, but a few are on Channel 4. Not sure if everyone will take to Amazon this could be the biggest non event of this stupid year so far?
Autumn Nations Cup Fixtures 2020
Round One
Friday 13 November
Ireland 32 v 9 Wales
Saturday 14 November
Italy 17 v 28 Scotland,
England 40 v 0 Georgia,
Sunday 15 November
France 28 v 0 Fiji,-Cancelled due to COVID 19 Positive Tests
Round Two
Saturday 21 November
Italy 28 v 0 FijiCancelled due to COVID 19 Positive Tests
England 18 v 7 Ireland, 3pm, Twickenham -
Wales 18 v 0 Georgia,
Scotland 15 v 22 France
Round Three
Saturday 28 November
Scotland 28 v 0 Cancelled due to COVID 19 Positive Tests
Wales 13 v 24 England,
France 36 v 5 Italy,
Sunday 29 November
Ireland 23 v 10 Georgia,
Finals Weekend
Saturday 5 December
Georgia 24v 38 Fji,
Ireland 31v 16 Scotland
Wales 38v 18 Italy
Sunday 6 December
England v France, 2pm, Twickenham Live on Amazon Prime (UK) & Premier Sports (Rep.of Ireland)
Jones said: “We’ve had a really good week of training. We know there are a lot of expectations on us and we’ve applied ourselves hard and put a lot of pressure on ourselves in the early part of this week.
“Georgia will be a tough opponent, so we have a team with some real power in midfield. We have a good mix of youth and experience across the squad and they are completely focused on putting in an excellent performance on Saturday.
“We’re looking forward to being back at our home at Twickenham, we are humbled by the opportunity and want to give people a reason to smile during such a tough time for the country.”
ENGLAND
15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 43 caps)
14. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 51 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors, 1 cap)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 30 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 57 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (c) (Saracens, 83 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 100 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 50 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
4. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 16 caps)
5. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 65 caps)
6. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 39 caps)
7. Jack Willis (Wasps, uncapped)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 52 caps)
FINISHERS
16. Tom Dunn, (Bath Rugby, 1 cap)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 60 caps)
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 36 caps)
19. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 24 caps)
21. Dan Robson (Wasps, 3 caps)
22. Max Malins (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
23. Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 3 caps)
ENGLAND MEN 2020 QUILTER INTERNATIONALS AS PART OF THE AUTUMN NATIONS CUP
Organisers of the Autumn Nations Cup today announced they have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Autumn Nations Cup fixture between France and Fiji. The decision comes after additional COVID-19 tests were carried out on the Fiji squad following a positive test received on Tuesday. These tests have resulted in another 4 positive cases affecting close contacts as well.
The match was due to take place in Vannes on 15th November 2020. Due to the tight schedule of the competition it is unfortunately not possible to reschedule this match. The sporting result of this match will be determined at a meeting on Monday with the designated tournament sub-committee.
Ben Morel, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, the tournament organiser, commented: "This was a difficult and disappointing decision, but it was the only possible outcome following today’s test results. Whilst we’ve all been eagerly awaiting this match, the welfare of our players and their support teams remain our number one priority.
"We have a rigorous testing programme in place. In this instance, it is impossible for the Fijians to field a competitive team and we have no other option but to cancel this match. I want to thank the Fijian and French Unions for their collaboration and wish the impacted athletes a speedy recovery"
The Autumn Nations Cup organisers are working closely with the Fiji Rugby Union to take all necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and to ensure that preparations can resume on time for Fiji’s next match against Italy on November 21st. It is premature to have any views on the staging of this match prior to a further series of tests which are due to take place in the coming days.
Autumn Nations Cup Match Scotland v Fiji – Cancelled
Organisers of the Autumn Nations Cup today announced the cancellation of the Scotland v Fiji fixture due to take place at BT Murrayfield on 28th November 2020.
The extent of infection in the Fiji camp, combined with a minimum 10-day isolation period, plus the obvious need for suitable preparation for any international test match meant that, whilst difficult, the decision was unavoidable.
The Tournament organisers remain in constant contact with the Fijian squad regarding their wellbeing and recovery which continues to be the number one priority. The Fiji team and the organisers are hopeful that the fourth match on December 5th against the team that will finish in 4th place in Pool A will be able to take place, subject to checks on fitness levels once the players come out of isolation and following all appropriate protocols.
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