Nations Cup a definite one-off as Scotland confirm November 2021 Springboks, Wallabies dates

Confirmation that the Autumn Nations Cup will be a short-lived, one-off event has come via Scotland where the SRU have announced plans for a November 2021 three-match ticket package that will include matches against the world champion Springboks and Australia. 

Test rugby in the northern hemisphere since the post-lockdown restart has taken placed behind closed doors, a pattern that will change this weekend when Twickenham will welcome 2,000 fans to Sunday's Nations Cup decider featuring England and France. 

The other playoff matches, however, will take place behind closed doors at Murrayfield, Aviva Stadium and Parc y Scarlets due to the ongoing restrictions in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. 

However, having already submitted plans to potentially host upwards of 25,000 fans at each of their home Six Nations games against Wales, Scotland and Ireland, the Scottish Rugby Union are now pressing ahead with its launch this Friday of three-match tickets packs for eleven months' time when the Boks, the Wallabies and one yet unnamed team will fare Gregor Townsend's side. 

Townsend, who this Saturday takes Scotland to Ireland for a third-place playoff, said: "The Autumn Nations Cup has been a great way for international rugby to resume in these difficult times. Fans, players and coaches will be looking forward to next year when Scotland face southern hemisphere opposition in Australia and the current world champions South Africa at Murrayfield.

“The Autumn internationals in 2021 will be another opportunity for our players to represent their country, hopefully with our fans in attendance, and provides the team with a different challenge and exciting challenge as a result."

Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus added: “Scotland have established themselves as a very tough and difficult side to beat. Our last meeting two years ago went down to the wire and they will definitely be another huge threat, especially playing at home in front of a passionate Scottish crowd.

“Next year’s Tests will be the first time in three years the Springboks return to Europe, where the intense rivalry against tough opponents in different weather conditions will make for some very interesting Test match battles.” The Boks are set to play the Scots on November 13 as one of three internationals in Europe, with the other matches scheduled for November 6 and 20.