2021 July rugby union tests

Last updated

The 2021 mid-year rugby union internationals (also known as the summer internationals in the Northern Hemisphere) were a series of international rugby union matches. Due to ongoing restrictions around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of matches were cancelled, and some series moved so that the Northern Hemisphere nations hosted the matches, and some teams played for the first time since their final matches of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. [1]

Contents

The window was highlighted by the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, which included a three-test series between the Lions and South Africa. Ahead of the tour, the Lions hosted their first home match since 2005, against Japan in Scotland, while South Africa were scheduled to host a two-test series against Georgia; the first time the teams had met outside the Rugby World Cup. The second test of this series was cancelled. Japan went on to play Ireland. Ireland also played the United States, having had to adapt their summer tour after their test series away to Fiji was cancelled. [2] To replace Ireland's tour, Fiji traveled to New Zealand for a first ever test series against the All Blacks, who also hosted Tonga. Tonga began their preparation for their 2023 Rugby World Cup qualification series against Samoa, and Samoa used a two-match series against the Māori All Blacks as their preparation. The three-test series between Australia and France was condensed to take place within 11 days, due to French club commitments and a hotel quarantine period for the France team. [3] Australia go on to play New Zealand in the first Bledisloe Cup match of the year.

England and Wales's summer tours were reversed, as England welcomed Canada and the United States, and Wales hosted Argentina. Wales, who were originally meant to play Uruguay as part of their South America tour, instead played Canada ahead of their two-test series against Argentina. Argentina also prepared for the series with a first visit to Bucharest since 1992 to play Romania, which replaced Argentina's cancelled home game against Georgia. Romania were scheduled to face Scotland for the first time since 2011 and Scotland were also due to play Georgia as part of their Eastern Europe tour, but both matches were cancelled.

The window also contained a number of other 2023 Rugby World Cup qualification warm-ups[ citation needed ] as Uruguay played an Argentina XV, the Cook Islands played a Tasman Mako HP XV and the New Zealand U20 team, and Zimbabwe played Zambia. Zimbabwe were also scheduled to play Portugal, but the match was cancelled.

Series

EventResultWinner
South Africa v British & Irish Lions test series 2–1Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
New Zealand v Fiji series 2–0Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
Australia v France test series 2–1Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
South Africa v Georgia test series 1–0Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa [lower-alpha 1]
Argentina v Wales test series 0–1Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina [lower-alpha 2]

Fixtures

June

2 June 2021
15:00 CAT (UTC+02)
Zimbabwe  Flag of Zimbabwe.svg31–8Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia
Try: Mudzekenyedzi 12' m
Juszczyk (2) 21' c, 52' c
Chiwambutsa 28' m
Burnett 34' m
Con: Mudariki (3/5) 22', 35', 53'		 Report Try: Chisenga 35' m
Pen: Mwashi (1/1) 79'
Police Grounds, Harare [4]
Attendance: 0
Referee: ZRU Appt. (Zimbabwe)
5 June 2021
15:00 CAT (UTC+02)
Zimbabwe  Flag of Zimbabwe.svg56–3Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia
Try: Mangongo 9' m
Katsevere (4) 32' m, 45' m, 48' m, 55' m
Chiwara (2) 57' m, 74' c
Mudariki 62' c
Mudzekenyedzi 65' m
Tshamala 72' c
Con: Mandivenga (1/4) 62'
White Sharpley (2/2) 73', 75'		 Report Pen: Koloko (1/3) 12'
Police Grounds, Harare [4]
Attendance: 0
Referee: Paul Mente (South Africa)
12 June 2021
15:35 JST (UTC+09)
Japan XV  Flag of Japan.svg32–17 Flag of Japan.svg Sunwolves
Try: Horikoshi (2) 60' c, 80' c
Nakamura 65' c
Tatafu 71' m
Con: Matsuda (3/4) 62', 66', 80+1'
Pen: Tamura (1/2) 31'
Matsuda (1/1) 76'		 Report Try: Arai 19' c
Takeyama 39' c
Con: Yamasawa (2/2) 21', 40+1'
Pen: Takeyama (1/1) 68'
Shizuoka Stadium, Shizuoka [5]
Attendance: 18,434
Referee: Shuhei Kubo (Japan)
12 June 2021
Zimbabwe  Flag of Zimbabwe.svgCancelled [lower-alpha 3] Flag of Namibia.svg  Namibia
Police Grounds, Harare [7]
19 June 2021
Namibia  Flag of Namibia.svgCancelled [lower-alpha 4] Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe
Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium, Windhoek [7]
26 June 2021
19:05 NZST (UTC+12)
Māori All Blacks  Flag of New Zealand.svg35–10Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa
Try: Stevenson 9' c, 38' c
Wainui 32' c
Dixon 57' c
Douglas 67'
Con: Black (3/3) 10' 33', 39' c
Ioane (2/2) 58', 68'		 Report Try: Foma'i 24'
Con: Iona (1/1) 25'
Pen: Iona (1/1) 46'
Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington [8]
Attendance: 0
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)

Notes:

  • The sides faced each other for the first time since 2008.
26 June 2021
15:00 BST (UTC+01)
British & Irish Lions 28–10Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
Try: Adams 12' c
Van der Merwe 18' c
Henshaw 23' c
Beirne 48' c
Con: Biggar (4/4) 13', 19', 24', 49'		 Report Try: Himeno 59' c
Con: Tamura (1/1) 60'
Pen: Tamura (1/2) 69'
Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh [9]
Attendance: 16,500
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)

Notes:

  • Hamish Watson and Zander Fagerson (British & Irish Lions) were named to start, but was withdrawn in the week leading up to the game due to injury and head knock. Justin Tipuric replaced Watson whilst Tadhg Furlong was promoted from the bench to replace Fagerson - Kyle Sinckler replaced Furlong on the bench. [10] [11]
  • No replacement was made for Jack Conan.
  • Jack Cornelsen, Siosaia Fifita, Craig Millar and Naoto Saito (all Japan) made their international debuts.
  • Japan became the eighth test nation to play the British & Irish Lions. [12]

2/3/4 July

2 July 2021
19:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg40–9Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia
Try: Fassi 4' m
Mbonambi 35' c
Reinach 37' c
Smith 54' c
H. Jantjies 58' c
Marx 68' c
Con: Pollard (4/5) 36', 38', 54', 58'
E. Jantjies (1/1) 69'		 Report Pen: Abzhandadze (3/3) 3', 18', 25'
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria [15]
Attendance: 0
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)

Notes:

3 July 2021
16:30 NZST (UTC+12)
Māori All Blacks  Flag of New Zealand.svg38–21Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa
Try: Dixon 22' c
Lowe (2) 34' m, 58' m
Penalty try (2) 40', 63'
Wainui 46' m
Con: Black (1/2) 23'
Ioane (1/2) 47'		 Report Try: Foma'i 24' c
Alosio 41' c
Tuiloma 80' c
Con: Iona (2/2) 25', 42'
Taefu (1/1) 80'
Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland [16]
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

Notes:

3 July 2021
19:05 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg102–0Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga
Try: McKenzie 2' m
Papalii (2) 5' c, 37' m
Weber (3) 7' c, 16' c, 50' c
Jordan (5) 9' m, 20' c, 47' m, 55' c, 68' m
Jacobson 42' c
Mo'unga 54' c
R. Ioane 61' c
Tuipulotu 77' c
Bridge 80' c
Con: Mo'unga (7/11) 6', 8', 17', 20', 43', 51', 54'
B. Barrett (4/5) 56', 62', 77', 80'		 Report
Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland [16]
Attendance: 15,024
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand) [lower-alpha 6]

Notes:

3 July 2021
13:00 IST (UTC+01)
Ireland  IRFU flag.svg39–31Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
Try: Farrell 8' c
McCloskey 26' m
Bealham 40' c
Van der Flier 49' c
Stockdale 52' c
Con: Carbery (4/5) 9', 40', 50', 53'
Pen: Carbery (2/2) 62', 69'		 Report Try: Leitch 11' c
Lafaele 36' c
Fifita 43' c
Saito 57' c
Con: Tamura (4/4) 12', 37', 45', 58'
Pen: Tamura (1/1) 4'
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Attendance: 3,000
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)

Notes:

3 July 2021
15:00 BST (UTC+01)
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg68–12Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Try: Williams (2) 6' c, 45' c
Botham 14' m
Holmes (2) 20' c, 80+1' c
Smith 27' c
Dee 31' c
Rowlands 36' c
Basham (2) 56' c, 61' c
Con: Sheedy (7/8) 7', 21', 28', 32', 37', 46', 57'
B. Thomas (2/2) 62', 80+3'		 Report Try: Lloyd 4' m
Coats 68' c
Con: Nelson (1/2) 68'
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Attendance: 8,200
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)

Notes:

3 July 2021
Portugal  Flag of Portugal.svgCancelled [lower-alpha 7] Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe
Lisbon
3 July 2021
21:00 EEST (UTC+03)
Romania  Flag of Romania.svg17–24Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina
Try: Căpățână 45' m
Pen: Melinte (4/5) 5', 22', 32', 62'		 Report
(In Romania)		Try: Bruni 14' m
Cordero 24' m
Penalty try 36'
González 73' c
Con: Miotti (1/1) 74'
Stadionul Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest [20]
Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France) [lower-alpha 8]

Notes:

4 July 2021
14:00 BST (UTC+01)
England  Flag of England.svg43–29Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Try: Underhill 6' m
Lawrence 14' c
Cokanasiga (2) 23' c, 30' c
Blamire 49' m
Smith 65' m
Randall 69' c
Con: Smith (5/7) 15', 24', 32', 70'		 Report Try: Faʻanana-Schultz 41' m
Dolan 57' c
Germishuys 73' c
Dyer 77' c
Con: Carty (3/4) 58', 74', 78'
Pen: Carty (1/1) 5'
Twickenham Stadium, London [22]
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)

Notes:

4 July 2021
14:10 UYT (UTC-03)
Uruguay  Flag of Uruguay.svg42–26Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina XV
Try: Vilaseca 11' c
Kessler 32' c
Dotti 40' c
Viñals 48' c
Echeverry 61' c
Gattas 80' c
Con: Berchesi (5/5) 12', 33', 40', 49', 62'
Echeverry (1/1) 80'		 Report Try: Elías 19' c
Fernández Criado 24' c
Daireaux 59' m
Simes 74' c
Con: Elías (2/2) 19', 25'
Prisciantelli (1/2) 74'
Estadio Charrúa, Montevideo
Attendance: 0
Referee: Nehuén Jauri Rivero (Argentina)

7 July

7 July 2021
13:00 NZST (UTC+12)
Tasman Mako HP XV Flag of New Zealand.svg 31–24Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
Try: Lewis 12' c
Veamatahau 23' c
MacDonald (2) 44' m, 51' m
Napa'a 71' c
Con: Parata (3/5) 13', 24', 72'		 Report Try: Toki 31' m
Rudolph 40' c
Bikaca 63' m
Mato 67' c
Con: Sopoaga (2/4) 40', 68'
Tahunanui Fields, Nelson
Attendance: 100
Referee: NZR Appt. (New Zealand)
7 July 2021
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg23–21Flag of France.svg  France
Try: Paenga-Amosa 34' c
Hooper 71' c
Con: Lolesio (2/2) 36', 71'
Pen: Lolesio (4/4) 44', 60', 80+4'		 Report Try: Villière (2) 6' m, 22' c
Con: Carbonel (1/2) 24'
Pen: Carbonel (2/2) 19', 52'
Jaminet (1/1) 62'
Lang Park, Brisbane [lower-alpha 9] [24]
Attendance: 20,000
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand) [lower-alpha 10]

Notes:

9/10 July

9 July 2021
19:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svgCancelled [lower-alpha 11] Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg [15]
Referee: Frank Murphy (Ireland)
10 July 2021
19:05 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg57–23Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
Try: J. Barrett 9' c
Havili (2) 18' c', 21' c
Bridge 44' m
Coles (4) 52' m, 64' c, 73' c, 76' c
Jordan 69' m
Con: Barrett (6/9) 10', 18', 22', 65', 74', 77'		 Report Try: Tuisue 28' m
Kunavula 48' m
Penalty try 61'
Pen: Volavola (2/2) 6', 13'
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Attendance: 15,103
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand) [lower-alpha 12]

Notes:

10 July 2021
13:00 BST (UTC+01)
Argentina  Flag of Argentina.svg20–20Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Matera 39' c
De la Fuente 46' c
Con: Sánchez (2/2) 41', 47'
Pen: Sánchez (2/4) 16', 45'		 Report Try: Rowlands 51' c
Williams 71' c
Con: Evans (2/2) 52', 72'
Pen: Sheedy (2/2) 18', 27'
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff [lower-alpha 13]
Attendance: 8,200
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)

Notes:

  • This is the first draw between these two nations in 19 meetings.
10 July 2021
15:00 BST (UTC+01)
England  Flag of England.svg70–14Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Try: Blamire (3) 1' c, 40' c', 59' c
Radwan (3) 15' c, 50' c, 61' c
Cokanasiga (2) 20' c, 23' c
Genge 46' c
Penalty try 13'
Con: Smith (9/9) 2', 16', 22', 25', 41', 46', 52', 60', 63'		 Report Try: Braude 10' c
Lloyd 33' c
Con: Nelson (2/2) 11', 34'
Twickenham Stadium, London
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales) [lower-alpha 14]

Notes:

10 July 2021
21:00 EEST (UTC+03)
Romania  Flag of Romania.svgCancelled [lower-alpha 15] Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland
Stadionul Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest [14]
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
10 July 2021
19:15 IST (UTC+01)
Ireland  IRFU flag.svg71–10Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Try: Baloucoune 17' c
Kelleher (4) 24' c, 30' c, 44' c, 54' c
Timoney 27' c
McCloskey 56' m
Keenan 62' c
Coombes 71' c
Bealham 80' c
Con: Carbery (5/5) 19', 25', 28', 31', 45'
H. Byrne (3/4) 55', 64', 72'
Addison (1/1) 80'
Pen: Carbery (1/1) 8'		 Report Try: Baska 78' c
Con: Magie (1/1) 79'
Pen: Carty (1/1) 20'
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Attendance: 3,000
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Notes:

13 July

13 July 2021
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg26–28Flag of France.svg  France
Try: Gordon 38' c
Hooper 71' c
Con: Lolesio (2/2) 40', 72'
Pen: Lolesio (4/4) 17', 26', 46', 75'		 Report Try: Penaud 22' c
Con: Jaminet (1/1) 23'
Pen: Jaminet (7/7) 2', 10', 35', 51', 56', 63', 78'
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne [24]
Attendance: 20,113
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)

Notes:

17 July

17 July 2021
12:00 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand U20 Flag of New Zealand.svg 73–0Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
Dilworth School, Auckland [30]
Referee: NZR Appt. (New Zealand)
17 July 2021
19:05 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg60–13Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
Try: Reece (3) 15' c, 31' c, 36' m
Savea 40' c
Jordan 42' c
R. Ioane 49' c
Taukei'aho (2) 59' m, 80' c
Frizell 68' c
Con: Mo'unga (5/6) 15', 33', 40', 42', 51'
B. Barrett (2/3) 69', 80'
Pen: Mo'unga (1/1) 29'		 Report Try: Ravai 44' c
Con: Volavola (1/1) 46'
Pen: Volavola (2/2) 5', 18'
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Attendance: 25,800
Referee: Damon Murphy (Australia) [lower-alpha 16]

Notes:

17 July 2021
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg33–30Flag of France.svg  France
Try: McDermott 11' c
Lolesio 20' c
Tupou 51' c
Con: Lolesio (3/3) 12', 21', 53'
Pen: Lolesio (4/5) 26', 40', 73', 79'		 Report Try: Couilloud 8' c
Woki 36' c
Barassi 47' c
Con: Jaminet (3/3) 9', 37', 48'
Pen: Jaminet (3/4) 4', 14', 75'
Lang Park, Brisbane [24]
Attendance: 34,164
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)

Notes:

17 July 2021
13:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa A  Flag of South Africa.svg14–17 Flag of South Africa.svg Bulls
Try: Fassi 12' c
Simelane 38' c
Con: Jantjies (2/2) 13', 39'		 Report Try: Johannes 66' c
Grobbelaar 68' c
Con: Goosen (2/2) 68', 69'
Pen: C. Smith (1/1) 76'
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town [31]
Attendance: 0
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
17 July 2021
15:00 BST (UTC+01)
Argentina  Flag of Argentina.svg33–11Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Moroni 11' c
Cubelli 28' c
Matera 79' c
Con: Sánchez (3/3) 12', 29', 79'
Pen: Sánchez (4/4) 26', 57', 65', 76'		 Report Try: Lane 8' c
Con: Evans (0/1)
Pen: Evans (2/2) 31', 51'
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff [lower-alpha 17]
Attendance: 8,200
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)

Notes:

  • Matthew Screech (Wales) made his international debut.
  • Matías Moroni (Argentina) earned his 50th test cap.
  • This was Argentina's first win over Wales since their 26–12 victory in 2012, the last time they won in Wales.
  • Argentina win a test series for the first time since their 2-0 series win against Ireland in 2007.
  • Argentina record their biggest winning margin over Wales (22-point difference), surpassing the 18-point difference set in 2006.
  • This is the most points Argentina have scored against Wales when away from Argentina.

24 July

24 July 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg17–22 British & Irish Lions
Try: de Klerk 49' m
Pen: Pollard (4/5) 13', 17', 26', 30'		 Report Try: Cowan-Dickie 43' c
Con: Biggar (1/1) 44'
Pen: Biggar (4/5) 19', 52', 55', 62'
Farrell (1/1) 78'
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town [9]
Attendance: 0
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)

Notes:

31 July

31 July 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg27–9 British & Irish Lions
Try: Mapimpi 44' m
Am 60' c
Con: Pollard (1/2) 61'
Pen: Pollard (5/6) 3', 31', 70', 75', 80'		 Report Pen: Biggar (3/4) 9', 16', 36'
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town [9]
Attendance: 0
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)

Notes:

7 August

7 August 2021
19:05 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg33–25Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Try: Reece 40' c
Mo'unga 51' c
Havili 58' m
McKenzie 64' m
Con: Mo'unga (2/4) 40', 52'
Pen: Mo'unga (3/3) 17', 21', 29'		 Report Try: Kellaway 36' m
Banks (2) 69' m, 74' m
Uelese 80' c
Con: Lolesio (1/4) 80+1'
Pen: Lolesio (1/3) 31'
Eden Park, Auckland [34]
Attendance: 47,000
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand) [lower-alpha 20]

Notes:

7 August 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg19–16 British & Irish Lions
Try: Kolbe 55' c
Con: Pollard (1/1) 56'
Pen: Pollard (2/4) 11', 35'
Steyn (2/2) 66', 78'		 Report Try: Owens 18' c
Con: Russell (1/1) 20'
Pen: Russell (3/3) 16', 62', 74'
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Attendance: 0
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Notes:

Notes

  1. ↑ Second test cancelled due to Impacts of COVID-19.
  2. ↑ First test was a drawn result; second test was won by Argentina.
  3. ↑ Cancelled following COVID-19 continued restrictions in Namibia. [6]
  4. ↑ Cancelled following COVID-19 continued restrictions in Namibia. [6]
  5. ↑ Match was called off after three Scottish players tested positive for COVID-19 [13]
  6. ↑ Replaces Damon Murphy after travel restrictions meant Murphy was unable to travel to New Zealand. [17]
  7. ↑ Cancelled following COVID-19 restrictions and rates in Portugal. [19]
  8. ↑ Mathieu Raynal replaces Pascal Gaüzère following the announced that Gaüzère was to retire after the Lions v Japan game. [21]
  9. ↑ Relocated to Suncorp from the Sydney Cricket Ground following new lockdown measures in Sydney. [23]
  10. ↑ Swapped appointments with Paul Williams (Samoa v Tonga) after travel restrictions changed between Australia and New Zealand and Williams was unable to travel to Australia.
  11. ↑ Match was called off following 12 positive COVID-19 cases in the South African camp and a further 4 in the Georgian team. [25]
  12. ↑ Replaces Nic Berry after travel restrictions meant Berry was unable to travel to New Zealand. [26]
  13. ↑ Although held in Cardiff, the game was listed as a home game for Argentina. [27]
  14. ↑ Evans replaces Romain Poite after he got injured during the later stages of the 2020–21 Top 14 season. [28]
  15. ↑ Match was called off following a number of COVID-19 positive cases within the Scottish camp. [29]
  16. ↑ Replaces Angus Gardner after failing to recover from injury sustained in early 2021.
  17. ↑ Although held in Cardiff, the game was listed as a home game for Argentina.
  18. ↑ Match was called off following a number of COVID-19 positive cases within the Georgian camp. [32]
  19. ↑ Replaced New Zealand's Brendon Pickerill for the full test series after Pickerill was unable to travel due to COVID restrictions. [33]
  20. ↑ Non-neutral match official team due to continued travel restrictions into New Zealand

See also

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The 2020 end of year rugby union tests, also referred to as the 2020 Autumn internationals in the Northern Hemisphere, were a number of rugby union test matches contested during the months of October, November and December 2020, primarily involving countries from the Northern Hemisphere hosting those from the Southern Hemisphere. Also involved in matches were those from second-tier teams. These international games counted towards World Rugby's ranking system, with a team typically playing from two to four matches during this period.

The 2021 end of year rugby union tests, also referred to as the Autumn internationals in the Northern Hemisphere, were rugby union test matches during October and November 2021, mainly involving countries from the Northern Hemisphere hosting those from the Southern Hemisphere. These international games counted towards World Rugby's ranking system, with teams typically playing from two to four matches in this period.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 mid-year rugby union tests</span>

The 2022 mid-year rugby union internationals were international rugby union matches that were mostly played in the Southern Hemisphere during the July international window. For the first time since 2018 all leading Northern Hemisphere teams toured, following a cancelled calendar in 2020 and a largely reversed calendar in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autumn Nations Cup</span> Unique rugby union competition

The Autumn Nations Cup was a rugby union competition held in November and December 2020 in place of the usual Autumn internationals series typically held in the same period each year, as many teams were avoiding extended travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight teams participated – the teams involved in the Six Nations Championship plus Georgia and Fiji – divided into two groups of four. Japan were originally going to take part but withdrew due to travel restrictions, resulting in them being replaced by Georgia and moving Fiji to Group B.

The 2021 Rugby Championship was the ninth series of the annual southern-hemisphere competition, involving Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The Springboks returned to the tournament after a year out in 2020 due to South African government travel restrictions and player welfare and safety concerns related to COVID-19. The tournament returned to its normal window of August, kicking-off on 14 August and concluding on 2 October.

In July 2021, France played a three-test series against Australia as part of the 2021 July International window. The series was played in a condensed window of 11 days, due to French club commitments and a Covid-19 hotel quarantine period for the visitors. This was France's first tour to Australia since 2014 and their first encounter since November 2016.

The 2022 end of year rugby union tests, also known as the 2022 Autumn internationals, were a number of rugby union test matches played during the months of October and November. Some of the games were known as the Autumn Nations Series for marketing purposes. Also involved in matches were some second-tier teams. These international games count towards World Rugby's ranking system, with a team typically playing from two to four matches during this period.

In July and August 2023, several rugby union national teams played matches in preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Some of the matches involving Tier 1 and 2 nations were played under the Summer Nations Series branding.

References

  1. ↑ World Rugby and unions confirm men’s July test schedule
  2. ↑ "Ireland's summer tour to Fiji cancelled". BBC Sport. 2021-04-30. Retrieved 2021-05-01.
  3. ↑ "Wallabies to host France in condensed biosecure Test series". The Guardian . 2021-05-07. Archived from the original on 2022-11-29.
  4. 1 2 "Sables return to action". 1 June 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
  5. ↑ "Japan XV to take on Sunwolves in Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2021". 6 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  6. 1 2 "Zimbabwe: Sables to Face Western Province". All Africa. 13 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  7. 1 2 "NAMIBIA TO FACE ZIM IN RUGBY FRIENDLY". 24 May 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
  8. ↑ "Manu Samoa name 13 New Zealand-based players in squad to face Maori All Blacks and Tonga". Rugby Pass. 28 May 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 "Lions Tour schedule confirmed". 14 May 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  10. ↑ LIONS V JAPAN: TIPURIC TO REPLACE WATSON IN STARTING XV
  11. ↑ LIONS V JAPAN: FAGERSON RULED OUT OF 1888 CUP
  12. ↑ THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS V JAPAN PREVIEW
  13. ↑ ENGLAND A V SCOTLAND A MATCH CANCELLED
  14. 1 2 3 "Scotland confirm summer tour plans to close 2020/21 season". 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  15. 1 2 "Boks to resume international action against Georgia". Springboks Rugby. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  16. 1 2 "BLOCKBUSTER MATCHES UNVEILED WITH FESTIVAL OF ALL BLACKS, MĀORI AND PASIFIKA RUGBY IN JULY". All Blacks. 16 May 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  17. ↑ "MATCH OFFICIAL CHANGES CONFIRMED FOR MT SMART STADIUM". All Blacks. 30 June 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  18. ↑ "Eligibility drama hits Tonga rugby team on eve of test against All Blacks". Stuff.co.nz. 2 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  19. ↑ "Sables abort Portugal trip due to COVID-19 concerns". 24 June 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  20. ↑ "ROMÂNIA JOACĂ CU ARGENTINA LA BUCUREȘTI, ÎNTR-UN MECI TEST WORLD RUGBY". Romania Rugby. 7 June 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
  21. ↑ "Arbitrage : Dernier coup de sifflet pour Pascal Gaüzère". FFR. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  22. ↑ "England and Ireland confirmed for Eagles in July". Americas Rugby News. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  23. ↑ "v". Rugby AU. 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  24. 1 2 3 "Wallabies announce three-Test series with France". rugby.com.au. 6 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
  25. ↑ Springboks’ second Test against Georgia cancelled
  26. ↑ "MATCH OFFICIAL CHANGES FOR JULY 10 INTERNATIONALS". All Blacks. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  27. ↑ Wales ready for intense meetings with Pumas
  28. ↑ "L'arbitre Romain Poite forfait pour la finale de Top 14, Mathieu Raynal devrait le remplacer". L'Equipe. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  29. ↑ ROMANIA SUMMER TEST CALLED OFF
  30. ↑ NEW ZEALAND UNDER 20 READY FOR HOME CAMPAIGN
  31. ↑ Double-header confirmed for Cape Town on Saturday
  32. ↑ Georgia test called off
  33. ↑ Meagher, Gerard (23 July 2021). "Gatland fury after South African Marius Jonker appointed Lions Test series TMO". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  34. ↑ "Wallabies fixtures confirmed for Bledisloe, Rugby Championship". rugby.com.au. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
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