Six Nations dates confirmed as World Rugby outline autumn internationals programme

Six Nations will be completed across 24 and 31 October before the autumn internationals take place throughout Novermber and the first two weeks of December

The postponed 2020 Six Nations campaigns will conclude on the weekends of 24 and 31 October, World Rugby has announced.

A programme of autumn internationals has also been approved by the governing body.

International rugby was halted by the coronavirus pandemic in March, leaving four Six Nations matches left to play.

World Rugby has approved a temporary global player release window between 24 October and the first weekend of December.

Ireland have outstanding Six Nations matches against Italy and France to complete, while the Italians must also host England, and Wales are scheduled to face Scotland.

This year's autumn Tests are then expected to be replaced by an eight-team tournament in which the Six Nations sides will be joined by Japan and Fiji.

World Rugby chairman Sir 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."

England are favourites to win the delayed Six Nations championship (Getty)

On an exceptional basis, the Rugby Championship - contested by Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa - will take place over a reduced six-week period between 7 November and the second week in December.

Sanzaar (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina Rugby), which organises the competition, has asked New Zealand to host matches.

World Rugby vice-chairman Bernard Laporte said: "Today represents an important day for our sport as the first steps towards recovery from the global Covid-19 pandemic.

"This has been no small effort and there have been some robust conversations, but the position approved by council today represents the best interests of the global game and I look forward to seeing the world's best players doing what they do best back on the international stage."

PA