Saints to lose England players for entirety of Six Nations

Saints will lose any players called up to England's Six Nations squad for the entirety of the tournament.
Courtney LawesCourtney Lawes
Courtney Lawes

That is because the RFU has decided that the 28 men Eddie Jones selects on Friday will stay in camp for the duration of the competition.

It is to reduce the risk of Covid-19 being transmitted and means players will not be available for their clubs from when they head into camp ahead of the Twickenham opener against Scotland on Saturday, February 6.

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Courtney Lawes is one of the players who appears likely to be involved, while the likes of David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Alex Mitchell and George Furbank will also hope to get the call.

An RFU press release read: "England will begin their preparations for the 2021 Guinness Six Nations later this month.

"Jones’ side, who won last season’s Six Nations championship, will first spend a week at St. George’s Park, England football’s training base, in Staffordshire.

"They will then return to The Lensbury, Teddington, for the remainder of the tournament. England were based at The Lensbury for their successful 2020 Autumn Nations Cup campaign.

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"In recognition of the challenges presented by Covid-19, Premiership Rugby, The RPA and The RFU have agreed that England will retain a 28-player squad for the Guinness Six Nations.

"This will reduce movement in and out of the England team environment."

Following the Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland, England will take on Italy a week later.

They will then play Wales away on Saturday, February 27 before returning to Twickenham to take on France on Saturday, March 13.

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Jones’ side then travel to Dublin to play Ireland in their final game on Saturday, March 20.

England’s home matches, along with Ireland v England, are live on ITV. Wales v England is live on the BBC.

England's Six Nations fixtures

Saturday, February 6: Scotland (h), 4.45pm, ITV

Saturday, February 13: Italy (h), 2.15pm, ITV

Saturday, February 27: Wales (a), 4.45pm, BBC

Saturday, March 13: France (h), 4.45pm, ITV

Saturday, March 20: Ireland (a), 4.45pm, ITV