England confirm six home fixtures as World Rugby approves autumn schedule
Rugby NewsThursday, 30 July 2020 at 15:01
The postponed 2020 Six Nations campaigns will conclude on the weekends of 24 and 31 October, World Rugby has announced.
Ireland will take on Italy on 24 October, the same day as the Premiership final with England then planning to play the Barbarians the following day.
This year's autumn Tests are then expected to be replaced by an eight-team tournament in which the Six Nations sides will be joined by Japan and Fiji.
Here are the groups that have been drawn up.
POOL A
- England
- Wales
- Ireland
- Fiji
POOL B
- Scotland
- France
- Italy
- Japan
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said in a statement: "The global Covid-19 pandemic has been unprecedented in its impact on society and sport and throughout this process, all parties have sought to deliver the best-possible outcome to support the interests of international and club rugby and the players.
"Agreement and approval of this schedule is exciting for players and fans and an important step in supporting our unions in mitigating financial impact and optimising the sport's return from the pandemic in an equitable way.
"These matches will be greatly anticipated by all, and I would like to thank unions, the international and club competitions and players for their input and the fans for their patience as we have sought to get international rugby back up and running."
ENGLAND FIXTURES
25th October - England vs Barbarians (Friendly)
31st October - Italy vs England (Six Nations)
14th November - England vs Wales
21st November - England vs Ireland
28th November - England vs Fiji
5th December - England vs Unknown (Play-off game)
JOIN THE RUCK
LIST | Rugby internationals who lost a ton of weight in retirement
Below is a look at five players who lost a ton of weight after their rugby union careers ended.
1. Phil Vickery (England)
The World Cup-winning prop has transformed his body since hanging up his boots. Vickery, who won the 2011 series of Celebrity Masterchef, has recently opened his new Cheltenham restaurant, No.3, after the Coronavirus pandemic delayed first orders. He's literally half the man he used to be.
2. Matt Dunning (Australia)
When he was a prop for the Wallabies Matt Dunning weighed 130kg and was constantly mocked for his tubby frame. But since retiring from rugby union the 35-year-old has lost a staggering 40kg, dropping from 25 per cent body fat to just 11 per cent in six months.
3. James Haskell (England)
The former England flanker - who signed for MMA promotion Bellator last August - after his retirement from rugby has dropped a ton of weight ahead of his first fight. A trip into I'm A Celebrity Get Me out Of here sure did help him get lean. This sort of diet isn't recommended.
4. Lee Mears (England)
The former Bath and England international rugby player retired from the game due to a life-threatening heart condition. Trying to stay healthy has since became a priority and it's fair to say he's looking amazing!
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