The fall program is starting to take shape. We know that World Rugby wants to double the international window to compensate for the tests canceled in June-July. It could go from three to seven weeks, from October 24 to December 5. A decision that cringes on the side of French and English professional clubs. But the international federation should pass in force and vote this arrangement on June 30. Even if it means exposing itself to a real showdown with the Top 14 and the Premiership which could refuse to release their internationals for these additional dates.
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Pending the outcome of these tough negotiations on the international calendar, each federation sets out to constitute a program. Initially, the XV of France was to receive in November Georgia, Australia and the South African world champions. A program completely upset by the health crisis. The nations of the southern hemisphere should compete in a Rugby Championship among themselves (South Africa, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand) in the manner of the NBA, that is to say all the matches in a single country , or even in the same city.
According to information from Midi Olympique , the nations of the North are therefore moving towards a bis tournament, which would be called the 6 Nations Cup, for a short-lived competition. In this context, the Blues of Fabien Galthié had to face Scotland on October 24, to best prepare their last match of the 2020 Six Nations Tournament, at the Stade de France against Ireland, on October 31. Then the XV of France would again face Ireland, England and Wales. Finally, a final, more exotic test against Japan or Fiji will complete the program.
Possible program :
France-Scotland on October 24
France-Ireland on October 31
France-Japan or Fiji on November 7
France-England on November 14
Ireland-France on November 21
Wales-France on November 28
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