It could be a last chance for northern hemisphere sides to secure historic test series victories
The Summer Tours fixtures for 2024 have been set. The match-ups will see some blockbuster showdowns are coming later this year.
They perhaps take on extra significance too as it will likely be the last time these encounters are held in their traditional spot on the calendar with the British & Irish Lions Tour next year and after the announcement that the inaugural World Rugby Nations Championship in 2026 will be held across the July and November international windows.
Read more: Springboks announce two new coaches with one poached from Premiership club
So, with one final chance to secure a historic series win, who is playing who this summer?
Summer Tours fixtures 2024 – England
England are playing Japan in June before travelling to New Zealand for the first time since 2014 in the hope of landing a momentous victory over the All Blacks.
It is sure to be a fascinating contest with both in a period of transition. A number of England and All Blacks stalwarts retired following the World Cup, while New Zealand also have a new head coach in Scott Robertson, who will be keen to make an immediate impression with fans.
Fixture details:
- Japan v England, Sat 22 June, National Stadium, kick-off TBC
- New Zealand v England, Sat 6 July, Forsyth Barr Stadium, kick-off 8.05am BST
- New Zealand v England, Sat 13 July, Eden Park, kick-off 8.05am BST
Ireland
In a repeat of one of the most incredible World Cup group-stage clashes, Ireland will take on reigning, back-to-back world champions South Africa.
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Andy Farrell’s side got the better of things that day but it was the Springboks who claimed the ultimate prize at the end of gruelling tournament: the Webb Ellis Cup for a record fourth time.
Two of the best and most physical sides in the world, what an epic battle we could be in store for.
Fixture details:
- South Africa v Ireland, Sat 6 July, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, kick-off 4pm BST
- South Africa v Ireland,Sat 13 July, King Park Stadium, kick-off 4pm BST
Wales
Elsewhere, a new-look Wales under Warren Gatland will start the summer with a match against South Africa at Twickenham. The team have to play in London as the Principality is unavailable because of concerts.
They will then head Down Under to face Australia. Both international giants find themselves at a low ebb currently, so each will be desperate for victory and to gain momentum as they seek a return to former glories.
After the Eddie Jones saga, the Wallabies have a new head coach in Joe Schmidt. Schmidt led Ireland to three Six Nations crowns between 2013 and 2019 and helped improve a struggling All Blacks under Ian Foster.
With the Lions Tour next year, Australia have made a shrewd appointment.
Wales round off the tour with a game against the Queensland Reds.
Fixture details:
- South Africa v Wales, Sat 22 June, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off 2pm BST
- Australia v Wales, Sat 6 July, Allianz Stadium, kick-off 10.45am BST
- Australia v Wales, Sat 13 July, AAMI Park, kick-off 10.45 BST
- Queensland Reds v Wales, Fri 19 July, Suncorp Stadium, kick-off TBC
France
France, meanwhile, are being hosted by Argentina for two test matches. It’s a repeat of the 2012 and 2016 tours for France, both of which were drawn one apiece, and les Bleus will be expected to notch a series win this time around.
Although they will have to do so without the talismanic Antoine Dupont, who is taking a break from the 15-aside game to focus on his preparation for the Olympic Sevens tournament.
Venues and kick-off times are yet to be confirmed but here are the dates for the games:
- Argentina v France, Sat 6 July, kick-off TBC
- Argentina v France, Sat 13 July, kick-off TBC
Scotland
For Gregor Townsend’s Scotland, they will be heading on a tour of the Americas. They will take on Canada, the USA, Chile and Uruguay.
Scotland head coach said of the fixtures: “Having the ability to play four games on this year’s summer tour is a brilliant opportunity for us.
“It will enable us to spend added time working with a wider group of players, building more cohesion with our squad and also giving more players experiences of preparing for and playing Test match rugby.”
Kick-off times are yet to be confirmed but here are the dates for the games:
- Canada v Scotland, Sat 6 July, TD Place, kick-off TBC
- USA v Scotland, Sat 13 July, Audi Field, kick-off TBC
- Chile v Scotland, Sat 20 July, Estadio Nacional, kick-off TBC
- Uruguay v Scotland, Sat 27 July, Estadio Charrúa, kick-off TBC
Italy
Finally, Italy have only got one fixture confirmed at the moment and that will be against Japan.
Fixture details:
- Japan v Italy, Sat 21 July, kick-off TBC
What do you make of the summer Tours fixtures for 2024? Who would you like to see your side play? Let us know on social media or email rugbyworldletters@futurenet.com
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