The Six Nations are ‘planning to go ahead as scheduled’ and should not be disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic as it was in 2020.
The organisers of the competition have dispelled recent rumours that it could be played in the summer as a result of the rapid increase in positive coronavirus tests in recent times. There was speculation that the Six Nations may be put on hold until the end of the club season to allow supporters to attend the matches provided, they have received the Covid-19 vaccine. However, this will not be the case according to a spokesperson for the competition.
“The Six Nations is planning for the tournament to go ahead as scheduled, but we are monitoring the situation with the unions and their respective governments and health authorities.”
The Rugby Football Union, English rugby’s governing body, has indicated that they are prepared for the tournament to go ahead as planned next month.
“We are committed to the fixtures and monitoring the situation with all parties. Planning continues aligned with current guidelines,” the Rugby Football Union said.
The Lions’ tour to South Africa is currently scheduled to go ahead this summer, with the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales coming together to face the Springboks in three test matches. There are serious concerns about the tour going ahead, with the new variant of Covid-19 believed to be rampant in South Africa at the moment. The Six Nations are not looking to fill this possible gap in the calendar however and are moving forward with plans to create a safe environment for the start of the competition in February.
The Six Nations will commence on February 6th when Italy host France in the opening game of the tournament. On the same day, reigning champions England will begin the defence of their title against Scotland at Twickenham in the Calcutta Cup. On February 7th, Andy Farrell’s Ireland side will travel to Cardiff to face Wales at the Principality Stadium.
