London, Monday: Tournament organisers said Monday they still expected the 2021 Six Nations Championship to go ahead as scheduled in February and March despite the rising number of coronavirus cases in Britain, Ireland and the rest of Europe.
The latest edition of Europe’s annual showpiece rugby union tournament is set to begin on the opening weekend of February, with no spectators because of Covid-19 restrictions.
But with the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in doubt because of the global pandemic, there have been suggestions that the Six Nations could be delayed by four months to take advantage of a gap in the schedule and allow matches to be played in front of fans.
As things stand, the 2021 Six Nations will begin on February 6, when Italy face France in Rome and champions England welcome Scotland to Twickenham for the Calcutta Cup.
Wales and Ireland are scheduled to complete the first round at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on February 7.
“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,” a spokesperson said Monday.
There was a similar message from England’s governing Rugby Football Union.
“We are committed to the fixtures, monitoring the situation with all parties and planning continues aligned with current guidelines,” said an RFU spokesperson. AFP
