Why this competition?
The health crisis has plunged the national federations into serious financial difficulties, with the postponement of matches of the Six Nations Tournament and then the cancellation of summer tours in the southern hemisphere.
To face this unprecedented situation, the Six Nations Committee decided to launch a new competition, the Autumn Nations Cup, taking advantage of the widening of the international window at the end of year decided by World Rugby, the international federation.
Which teams?
Eight nations are participating in this new international competition, they are divided into two pools of four.
In Pool A, we find England, Ireland, Wales and Georgia.
Pool B will be made up of France, Scotland, Italy and Fiji.
A anticipated time to participate in these autumn games, South Africa and Japan finally declined the invitation, replaced by Georgia.
Ideally, the "final" could pit England against France on December 6 at Twickenham.
Before that, the two teams must finish first in their respective pools ...
Where to watch the matches?
The matches of the XV of France will be broadcast, as usual, on France 2. For the other matches in the competition, beIN Sport has obtained the broadcasting rights for Ireland, Wales and Scotland when these three teams evolve at home.
It remains to be seen which channel will broadcast the home matches of England (including the clash against Ireland on Matchday 2) and Italy.
What's the calendar ?
Day
1 November 13
Ireland-Wales (8
p.m.)
November 14
Italy-Scotland (1:45
p.m.) England-Georgia (4 p.m.)
November 15
France-Fiji (4:15 p.m.)
Matchday 2
November 21
Italy-Fiji (1:45
p.m.
)
England-Ireland (4 p.m.)
Wales-Georgia (6:15
p.m.)
November 22
Scotland-France (4:15 p.m.)
Matchday 3
November 28
Scotland-Fiji (2:45 p.m.)
Wales-England (5 p.m.)
France-Italy (9:10 p.m.)
November 29
Ireland-Georgia (3 p.m.)
Matchday 4 (classification matches)
December 5
Georgia - team to be determined (1 p.m.)
Ireland - team to be determined (3.15 p.m.)
Wales - team to be determined (5.45 p.m.)
December 6
England - team to be determined (3 p.m.)
Find the calendar of matches for the Autumn Nations Cup:
https://sport24.lefigaro.fr/rugby/calendrier-et-resultats-coupe-d-automne-des-nations-2020
The classification of the Autumn Nations Cup is available here:
https://sport24.lefigaro.fr/rugby/classement-coupe-d-automne-des-nations-2020
Read also
Calendar and results Fall Nations Cup
Fall Nations Cup ranking