[ad_1]
Six Nations organizers have confirmed that the 2021 Championship will take place in February and March as planned in response to suggestions that it could be carried over to the summer.
The tournament kicks off when Italy host France on February 6, but, with the Lions’ tour to South Africa now in doubt due to the escalating coronavirus pandemic, it had been speculated that the Six Nations could take four months to take advantage of the potential. hole in the window.
Since a large portion of the population is expected to be vaccinated by the summer, it has been argued that there would be scope for crowds to attend, which would help affected unions financially.
But the tournament will continue in its usual window, unless the disruption is caused by COVID-19.
“The Six Nations are planning for the tournament to take place as scheduled, but we are monitoring the situation with the unions and their respective governments and health authorities,” a spokesman said.
England expected the launch of their title defense against Scotland at Twickenham on 6 February to proceed as planned.
“We are committed to the matches and monitoring the situation with all parties. Planning continues to be aligned with current guidelines,” said the Rugby Football Union.
For the Six Nations to move into summer, the Lions’ tour would have to be canceled as soon as possible, but managing director Ben Calveley set a deadline Saturday in February to wrap up crisp talks about its viability.
Underscoring the difficulty Lions face in the question of whether to proceed, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Monday admitted that he is “very concerned” about the South African variant of Covid-19.
The mutation is believed to be more transmissible than the new UK strain and more resistant to vaccines, so all flights from South Africa to these shores are banned.
For the latest news and breaking news, visit dublinlive.ie/news.
Get all the great headlines, images, reviews, opinions, and videos on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DublinLive – the official Dublin Live Twitter account – real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook / dublinlive – your must-have news, features, videos, and images all day from the capital
[ad_2]