Ireland to finish Six Nations campaign before ‘eight nations’ this Autumn

World Rugby have confirmed the Six Nations will be concluded this October, with Ireland having to play Italy and France.

Ireland will face Italy in Dublin on 24 October before travelling to France to conclude their disrupted Six Nations campaign a week later.

World Rugby have also approved an ‘eight nations’ tournament to take place this Autumn, where Japan and Fiji will compete with the regular Six Nations outfits.

Ireland will take on Wales (h), England (a) and Fiji (h) in their group.

World Rugby chairman 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.”

Bill Beaumont [via rte.ie]