England versus Springbok rematch confirmed
NEWS: England has confirmed their year-end Tests, which include a rematch with World Cup champions South Africa.
England revealed that Tonga would kick-start their November Test programme at Twickenham.
Eddie Jones’s men will face the Pacific Islanders on November 6, before matches against Australia and world champions South Africa.
South Africa beat England 32-12 in the World Cup Final in Yokohama, Japan, in November 2019.
It was the last time the two Tier One giants met.
England last faced Tonga at the 2019 World Cup, winning 35-3 in the group stages.
“This match will continue our rivalry from the World Cup, where we had a good, tough game against them,” said Jones.
“They produce a lot of good players and play physical, exciting rugby.”
England finished this year’s Six Nations in fifth place, but swept aside the United States and Canada earlier this month.
“With the young squad we had in July, the 13 players who joined up with the [British and Irish] Lions and the others who have spent the mid-year period regenerating, we know that it will be a strong, competitive group of players this autumn,” Jones said.
In addition to a goodwill gesture of a donation for the Tonga game, the RFU is working with World Rugby and Tonga Rugby to make coaching and other resource personnel available to Tonga – which they hope will have a dual benefit of providing support to the Tongan team while also offering some good experience for the resource personnel involved.
“It’s hoped that the reciprocal benefit will extend beyond the tour with some support staff and programmes assistance in Tonga, once the pandemic allows,” the RFU said in a statement.
This is in addition to the high-performance financial support provided by World Rugby.
Matches are subject to licences being granted by the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames.
The RFU is working closely with Richmond Council and other key stakeholders to ensure the events are as safe as possible for spectators, staff and local residents.
