England reshuffle autumn tour schedule

England have revised their 2010 autumn international schedule and will now begin their four-match series against New Zealand on November 6.

The fixture for the Hillary Shield had originally been fixed for December 4 but was moved following a request from the All Blacks.

England will then play Australia, Samoa and world champions South Africa in a packed autumn schedule.

Premier Rugby and the Professional Game Board rubber stamped the change after agreeing to move the England players' release period forward by a week.

As a result of the fixture reshuffle, South Africa's game against the Barbarians will now be played on December 4 at Twickenham, a day earlier than previously scheduled.

Although the original request came from the All Blacks, the new schedule of five Saturday matches, all with 2.30pm kick-offs, is ideal for the Rugby Football Union.

RFU business operations director Paul Vaughan said: "We're delighted that Premier Rugby Limited and the Professional Game Board have approved the change which completes a superb series of games at Twickenham Stadium this autumn.

"Five consecutive Saturday games all kicking off at 2.30pm will be good for our supporters, our broadcast partners and the game as a whole."

England's autumn schedule:

November 6: England v New Zealand (2.30pm)

November 13: England v Australia (2.30pm)

November 20: England v Samoa (2.30pm)

November 27: England v South Africa (2.30pm)