The three remaining fixtures within the 2020 Women’s Six Nations Championship have been cancelled.
Six Nations Rugby CEO Ben Morel confirmed this morning of the “extraordinarily powerful resolution”, however that because of the sport’s beginner standing it has been “unattainable” to conclude the match.
Scotland nonetheless had two fixtures left to play – in opposition to Italy and Wales – whereas France have been scheduled to face Eire.
As first revealed by Telegraph Sport final month, France’s contest with Eire was known as off on the final minute because of an outbreak of Covid-19 throughout the French camp. The fixture would have determined who finished second behind Championship winners England.
A press release on the Six Nations official web site stated: “Latest Authorities and Well being Authority restrictions affecting squad preparations, journey, and the shortcoming to stage matches because of the sport’s beginner standing have made the profitable completion of the 2020 Championship unattainable.”
The desk won’t be affected by at present’s cancellations with England already topped grand slam winners having performed and received all 5 of their matches, ending with victory over Italy in Rome every week in the past.
“This was an especially powerful resolution that was solely taken after we had explored each potential choice to get these matches performed,” Six Nations CEO Morel stated.
“It’s particularly disappointing that these cancellations come at a time when there’s such constructive momentum across the ladies’s recreation and for the Ladies’s Six Nations particularly.
“We are going to now, with our Unions, put our focus and power towards the 2021 Championship.”
The Welsh Rugby Union stated they “accepted” Tuesday’s resolution.
“With strict Covid restrictions in a number of the international locations concerned, we settle for the troublesome resolution made by the Six Nations that if all three Womens6Nations matches couldn’t be rearranged, it was finest to not stage any, particularly with some Unions in search of RWC qualification.”
Scotland interim head coach, Bryan Easson, stated: “It’s clearly disappointing information, particularly as we have been trying ahead to the problem of sustaining the momentum from our current recreation in opposition to France. It’s been a troublesome yr for the squad, however we totally perceive the choice taken.”
England, in the meantime, have named a 30-player training squad for their autumn international against France this Saturday. Laura Keates, England’s 2014 World Cup profitable prop, returns to the nation set-up following spectacular performances for Worcester Warriors within the Premier 15s this season.
England will collect at Bisham Abbey at present earlier than heading to France on Thursday for Saturday’s contest in Grenoble. Lydia Thompson (Worcester), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears) and Hannah Botterman (Saracens) will miss the primary of back-to-back clashes with France after struggling accidents for his or her respective golf equipment within the Premier 15s final weekend.
“It is a group that’s educated very well and we’re happy with how we’re progressing. Coaching is aggressive and that was mirrored in our efficiency over in Italy,” coach Simon Middleton stated.
“Our focus now strikes onto the sport in opposition to France on Saturday.
“Whereas now we have numerous absentees, now we have actual strength-in-depth as proven in our coaching squad choice.
“We’re trying ahead to 2 days of preparation earlier than heading out to France later this week.”
England will host France within the return fixture at Twickenham every week afterward Nov 21.
The noon fixture will likely be performed earlier than England males face Eire of their second Autumn Nations Cup match.
