It’s going to feel a bit strange watching the final fixtures of the 2020 Six Nations over the next couple of weeks, rather than in February or March as usual, but it’s just been that kind of year really, hasn’t it…
And we’re certainly not going to complain about the extra dose of autumn international rugby this October, as the home nations prepare to do battle in their favourite competition, before getting stuck into a brand new one a few weeks later.
With the Six Nations set to come to a conclusion, and the first ever Autumn Nations Cup about to kick off, here are all the dates you need to mark in your diary for this year’s autumn international rugby (plus a few games from the Women’s Six Nations and the southern hemisphere’s Rugby Championship/Tri-Nations thrown in for good measure).
What’s on and When?
October
Saturday 24/10: Ireland v Italy – 3:30pm, Ireland v Italy (Women’s Six Nations) – 6:30pm, France v Wales – 8:10pm
Sunday 25/10: Scotland v France (Women’s Six Nations) – 2:20pm
Saturday 31/10: Australia v New Zealand – 8:45am, Wales v Scotland – 2:15pm, England v Italy – 4:45pm, France v Ireland 8:10pm
November
Sunday 01/11: France v Ireland (Women’s Six Nations) – 1:30pm, Wales v Scotland (Women’s Six Nations) – 4:15pm, Italy v England (Women’s Six Nations) – 5pm
Saturday 07/11: Australia v New Zealand – 8:45am
Friday 13/11: Ireland v Wales – 7pm
Saturday 14/11: New Zealand v Argentina – 6am, Italy v Scotland – 12:45pm, England v Georgia – 3pm
Sunday 15/11: France v Fiji – 3:15pm
Saturday 21/11: Australia v Argentina – 8:45am, Italy v Fiji – 12:45pm, England v Ireland – 3pm, Wales v Georgia – 5:15pm
Sunday 22/11: Scotland v France – 3pm
Saturday 28/11: Argentina v Australia – 6am, Scotland v Fiji – 1:45pm, Wales v England – 4pm, France v Italy – 8:10pm
Sunday 29/11: Ireland v Georgia – 2pm
December
Saturday 05/12: Argentina v New Zealand – 6am, Autumn Nations Cup Fixtures TBC – 12pm, 2:15pm, and 4:45pm
Sunday 06/12: Autumn Nations Cup Fixture TBC – 2pm
Where to Watch
So, where’s the best place to watch all this thrilling autumn international rugby action?
As London is currently in Tier 2 of the COVID-19 lockdown system, it will probably be a far more subdued atmosphere than usual this autumn. Staying home to watch it from the comfort of your living room won’t be a bad option, considering indoor venues will only be able to accommodate tables of six people all from the same household or support bubble.
However, the rugby is certainly a good reason to get out the house and visit some local pubs and bars with the friends or family you live with.
If you do feel like going out to watch some of the games, The Alexandra in Wimbledon is always a trusty option for watching live sport, and is a large venue with plenty of space to ensure sufficient social distancing. You could also head up to Wimbledon Village, as the Dog & Fox will be showing the bulk of the rugby, and so will The Swan on the Ridgway.
Or, if you fancy something a bit more traditional, why not head down to your local rugby club? The Old Wimbledonians RFC in Raynes Park is a family-friendly, community-oriented rugby club which is always keen to welcome people through the doors to watch rugby live on their two big screens, usually with some fantastic hot food available on weekends.
Head out to a local pub or bar to watch it if you can, but only if you’re able to stick to the current government rules for the area. And most importantly, of course, stay safe, take care, and enjoy the rugby!
Written By: Content Editor
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