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England to finish Six Nations campaign against Italy in Rome on October 31 as new match dates confirmed

AFP via Getty Images
AFP via Getty Images

The rescheduled date and time for England men's final 2020 Six Nations fixture against Italy has been confirmed.

Eddie Jones' side will travel to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday, October 31 looking to seal their first title since 2017 and third in five years, with kick-off scheduled for 4:45pm BST.

After bouncing back from an opening loss in Paris with successive wins over Scotland, Ireland and Wales, England sat top of the standings when the competition was originally suspended due to the outbreak of coronavirus in March, level on 13 points with nearest rivals France but ahead on points difference.

Les Bleus had been chasing a first Six Nations Grand Slam since 2010 until suffering a crushing 28-17 home defeat to Scotland.

"We will prepare well and expect a tough game in Rome," said Jones. "We are grateful for the opportunity to represent England again – we want to make our fans proud.”

There are four remaining 2020 Six Nations fixtures in total, with Ireland set to host Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, October 24. The kick-off time for that contest will be confirmed in due course.

Before England face Italy on October 31, Wales will host Scotland at 2:15pm at a venue yet to be announced. Then later at 8pm, Ireland battle France at the Stade de France.

"In rescheduling these matches, the health and safety of players, associated staff and supporters has been at the forefront of our thinking," read an official statement from Six Nations organisers.

"We remain in close contact with all relevant authorities across the respective jurisdictions to ensure these matches take place in a safe environment and we will announce further details of health and safety protocols and guidance on spectator attendance in due course."

Meanwhile, England's Women are just one win away from sealing Six Nations glory and will also conclude their 2020 campaign away to Italy on the weekend of October 31.

Scotland-France and Ireland-Italy will be held across the previous weekend, before Italy and Scotland meet on the weekend of December 5.

The Six Nations added that there would be no winner of the Under-20 Championship this year, with the three outstanding fixtures in that competition - which was led by Ireland - cancelled altogether.

Also confirmed was the alternative temporary tournament that will replace the Autumn Internationals in 2020, consisting of the usual Six Nations teams plus two other international sides, believed to be Japan and Fiji.

"We are currently finalising match schedules, operational details including venues as well as commercial arrangements," the statement continued. "Further announcements relating to this competition are expected to be made later this month."

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