RUGBY UNION: A SIX Nations double-header is coming to Coventry for the first time next year.
The Ricoh Arena will host the Six Nations Under 20s fixture between England and Ireland on Friday, March 16, while England’s women will also take to the field against Ireland beforehand.
It’s the second time in as many years that the venue will have hosted a major rugby tournament, having hosted the Rugby League Four Nations back in November 2016.
Prior to England’s arrival at the Ricoh Arena, they will take in fixtures against Italy at the Stadio Enzo Bearzot on Feburary 3, before facing Wales at Kingston Park on February 9.
England will then travel to Myreside to play Scotland on February 23, before facing France at the Stade de la Mediterranee on March 9.
The England U20 programme will be led by Rugby Football Union performance manager Steve Bates with three coaches to be announced for the season ahead which includes the World Rugby U20 Championship in May.
Nick Eastwood, chief executive at the Ricoh Arena, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen to host a tournament showcasing some of the country’s best young male and female players.
“As this is England’s final game of the tournament, there is also the exciting possibility that a trophy presentation could also take place if England’s men manage to retain their crown.
“Women’s rugby is also going from strength-to-strength, helped by England’s journey to the World Cup final.
“We look forward to welcoming more females through the Ricoh Arena turnstiles for this double-header.
“It is also a major boost for Coventry’s City of Rugby project, which is aiming to make the city a world leader at every level of the sport by 2023.”
