Six Nations organisers have confirmed that the men’s tournament will go ahead as planned this year, however the Women’s and U-20s tournaments have been postponed until later in the year, due to concerns over Covid-19.
The men’s tournament is due to start on the 6th of February, and although doubts have hung over the tournament going ahead due to France’s concerns, organisers are optimistic of getting it off the ground in the coming weeks.
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
A statement read: “Whilst closely monitoring the situation, Six Nations Rugby also confirms plans to stage the men’s Guinness Six Nations Championship remain as scheduled.
“Following the successful completion of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup, Six Nations Rugby is in constant dialogue with each of its governmental authorities and is further reinforcing its Covid-19 protocols.
“The Championship kicks off with Round 1 fixtures on the 6th February with Italy v France, followed by England v Scotland, and Wales Ireland on February 7th.”
Six Nations Rugby Limited also in a statement said the Women’s & U20s 2021 Championships will not take place in the regular Six Nations window of February and March this year.
The Women’s Championship will instead be scheduled in revised windows later this spring or early summer.
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
The statement read “Six Nations Rugby confirmed it will finalise the respective timings and formats for both the Women’s and U20S competitions in consultation with all unions, broadcast partners and stakeholders, with full details to be announced by the end of January”.
Ben Morel, CEO, Six Nations Rugby Limited said, “We are fiercely committed to the promotion and development of rugby at all levels, particularly the women’s game where we see such exciting opportunity for growth. This is not a decision that we rushed into and we are confident that in looking at a new later window, we will be in a far stronger position to deliver two fantastic tournaments, delivering exciting rugby for fans, and ensuring the safest possible environment in which to stage them for our players.”
“It was also important that the decision was made in a timely manner to allow players and management to plan accordingly” they said.
