Six Nations Rugby today announced that the remaining three matches of the 2020 Women’s Six Nations Championship have been cancelled.

Recent Government and Health Authority restrictions affecting squad preparations, travel, and the ability to stage matches in competing nations, in line with the sport’s amateur status have made the successful completion of the 2020 Championship impossible.

Ben Morel, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, said: “This was an extremely tough decision that was only taken after we had explored every possible option to get these matches played. It is especially disappointing that these cancellations come at a time when there is such positive momentum around the women’s game and for the Women’s Six Nations in particular.

“We will now, with our Unions, put our focus and energy toward the 2021 Championship.”

Scotland Interim Head Coach, Bryan Easson, said: “It’s obviously disappointing news, especially as we were looking forward to the challenge of maintaining the momentum from our recent game against France. It’s been a tough year for the squad, but we fully understand the decision taken.”

The table for the 2020 Championship will remain as it currently stands with England already crowned Grand Slam winners having played and won all five of their matches, finishing with victory over Italy in Rome a week ago.

Rugby World Cup 2021 qualifiers

World Rugby and Rugby Europe have also today announced the Rugby World Cup 2021 European qualification tournament has been postponed.

The tournament – which was scheduled to take place on 5, 12 and 19 December – is due to feature Ireland, Italy and Scotland and the winner of the postponed Women’s Rugby Europe Championship.

With the COVID-19 situation in Europe presenting continued travel and quarantine challenges, the decision was made to postpone and identify an optimal opportunity for the tournament to rescheduled in early 2021.

Head of Girls & Women’s Performance Rugby, Gemma Fay, said: “We have been working closely with Six Nations, World Rugby and Rugby Europe to explore every possible option but unfortunately the recent restrictions implemented across Europe have meant that it is no longer possible to complete the matches in 2020 as planned.

“We will continue to work closely with all relevant parties to ensure there is a credible and fair qualification process in place for the Rugby World Cup 2021.”

An announcement regarding the rescheduling of the tournament will be confirmed by World Rugby and Rugby Europe in due course.