Introduction
The current situation of International Rugby and more specifically the Guinness Six Nations 2020/21 and Autumn Internationals here in the UK are rather unclear. Some of the biggest questions on the lips of rugby fans are “Will the 2020 Six Nations be completed?” and “Are the 2021 Six Nations going ahead?” In any ‘normal’ year this would be met with a resounding “Yes” however it’s clear that this is unlikely to be the case. Let’s explore the impact of Covid-19 to the rugby calendar and how you can still watch the major upcoming events.
Will the 2020 Guinness Six Nations be completed?
The 2020 Guinness Six Nations will have its final round of fixtures completed in October. There are currently 4 men’s games to be finished. One Round-4 fixture: Ireland v Italy 24/20/2020 at the Aviva Stadium. Followed by three Round-5 fixtures all to be played on the 31/10/2020: Wales v Scotland, Italy v England, and France v Ireland. All matches are set to be played at their regular locations apart from Wales v Scotland where a venue has yet to be announced as the Principality is still in operation as a field hospitality.
What are the remaining 2020 Six Nations permutations?
England
The current standings after 4 almost complete rounds sees England top the group. Beating Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, a first Triple Crown for England in 4 years. England’s final game is against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico where they would expect to win and by a considerable margin. Tries will be the name of the game as the Championships could come down to points difference.
France
Second place France have an outside chance but have a tough match against Ireland at home at the Stade de France. A difficult task as the French are infamous for being slow starters, however, the French have recently had a resurgence under Jacques Brunel and defence coach Shaun Edwards (what a difference he has made) adding the required steel to complement French flair. To win, France would require England away in Italy to win by a smaller margin. Tough ask!
Ireland
The final team in contention is Ireland. Currently sitting in fourth they have 2 games remaining. Similarly, to England one of those games is away to Italy and if recent history is anything to go by this should be an Irish win and by a decent margin. Andy Farrell’s men then head to the Stade de France needing a second win to be crowned Champions. It’s worth noting a BP win against Italy and a win against the French would crown the Irish Champions irrespective of other results.
Will fans be able to attend the 2020 Guinness Six Nations?
Unfortunately due to the recent change in government regulation, the pilot scheme, which was intended to be rolled out in October and would have allowed fans back into stadiums for sporting events, has been pushed back.
The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) met with officials from the respective governing bodies to announce the continuation to the ban of fans from sporting venues. The 2020 Six Nations is therefore likely to be completed behind closed doors.
Are the 2020 Autumn Internationals going ahead?
Typically, the Autumn Internationals would be played throughout November. This offers players and coaching staff alike the opportunity to pit their wits against the best of the Southern Hemisphere rugby powers. In recent years these Test matched have been seen as a barometer, the litmus test, to where teams are positioned in the World Rankings and ultimately who would likely go on to raise the most coveted of all trophy’s; the William Web Ellis Cup at the IRB World Cup.
This year however, has been affected by the Covid-19 virus which has put restrictions on the ease of travel often afforded to International Sporting teams. A period of quarantine of around 2 weeks and the risk afforded to players physically and mentally has been rightly deemed too high.
What is the Autumn Nations Cup 2020?
This is the new competition proposed by the IRB to run in place of the Autumn Internationals. The teams include those of the Guinness Six Nations plus Georgia and Fiji. Fixtures from November 13 (unfortunately it is a Friday, I’ve checked!) to December 6.
The teams are split into two groups and will play each other once. After the final round of group fixtures, winners of group A will play the winners of Group B. The second-place team in Group A will play the second-place team in Group B… you get the picture.
Twickenham, The Aviva Stadium, Murrayfield and the Stade de France have so far been confirmed as host Stadia.
England v Ireland – Premium Virtual Hospitality Package – 21/11/2020
England v Ireland is the stand out fixture of the new Autumn Nations Cup Tournament at Twickenham and we’re ready to give you the best possible experience outside of the home of rugby.
Behind Closed Doors is the perfect way to re-engage and entertain your clients where you can enjoy the full Twickenham matchday experience from in the comfort of your home.
On the 21st November, Engage takes you and your guest to an exclusive pre match cook along at home with former England Captain Dylan Hartley.
Everything you need for the perfect day of International Rugby will be delivered to your door, then along with our professional chef, Dylan will take you and your guests through how to cook the perfect rugby meal.
In the build up to the match you will be joined live for pre-match interactive chats with international rugby stars before tuning in to England v Ireland live on Amazon Prime.
Register your interest here or give us a call on 0207 048 4848 for further details.
Are the 2021 Guinness Six Nations going ahead?
The good news is the 2021 Guinness Six Nations are going ahead as planned. A full 5 rounds of fixtures and will compete as usual for the available silverware. An added incentive for the players and potentially coaching staff, is the opportunity to join the Lions Tour. To be on tour with the Lions is a special occasion, however to play against the World Champions certainly adds a level.
Register your interest here or give us a call on 0207 048 4848 for further details.
Will fans be able to attend The 2021 Guinness Six Nations?
Chiefs from the Guinness Six Nations have met with representatives from governing bodies to discuss ways to allow fans to attend the Championship. This could involve hosting the event later. Currently, discussions are in their very earliest stages and all options are on the table. It’s in the interest of World Rugby that fans are back watching matches as safely and as swiftly as possible.
Register your interest here or give us a call on 0207 048 4848 for further details.