Ireland, Italy and Scotland will all be fighting for a place at next year’s Rugby World Cup as they compete in the Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe qualifier later this month.
The Women’s Six Nations trio are joined by Spain for a four-team round-robin tournament in Parma, Italy from September 13 to September 25, with the winner securing a spot at the World Cup in New Zealand – originally scheduled for 2021 but now delayed for a year due to the pandemic.
The four sides will play each other once, with the group winners slotting into Pool B for the World Cup itself – alongside already-qualified Canada and USA – while the runners-up head for the Repechage Tournament and a final opportunity to qualify.
Italy will hope for a repeat of the result from the 2021 Women’s Six Nations when they face Scotland in Round 1 on Monday, September 13 – having emerged 40-21 winners back in April, largely thanks to a Manuela Furlan hat-trick.
Ireland face Spain later that same day before taking on the Azzurre six days later, looking to replicate the 25-5 triumph from the most recent Championship, with Scotland playing Spain shortly after.
And in the potentially decisive final round of action on Saturday, September 25, Italy host Spain before Ireland and Scotland square off, on a day where a fourth Women’s Six Nations side could join England, France and Wales in next year’s global showpiece.
Rugby World Cup 2021 tournament director Alison Hughes said: “We are delighted to confirm the match schedule and a highly-qualified team of match officials for what promises to be three exciting and hotly-contested matchdays in the Europe Qualifier as all four participating teams will be aiming to claim the prize of a place at Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand alongside the best women’s 15s teams in the world.
“We continue to work in close partnership with the hosts and all participating unions to ensure we deliver a safe and secure event and give the players the opportunity to showcase their talents on the pitch.”
Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifier Schedule:
All games to be played at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
Monday, 13th September:
Scotland v Italy (kick-off 2pm BST / 3pm local time)
Spain v Ireland (kick-off 5pm BST / 6pm local time)
Sunday, 19th September:
Italy v Ireland (kick-off 2pm BST / 3pm local time)
Spain v Scotland (kick-off 5pm BST / 6pm local time)
Saturday, 25th September:
Italy v Spain (kick-off 2pm BST / 3pm local time)
Ireland v Scotland (kick-off 5pm BST / 6pm local time)
