England book summer Tests in build-up to RWC'03
January 18, 2002

England will play Wales and France three times in less than six months during their build-up the the Rugby World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2003.

On top of the traditional Six Nations Championship fixtures, arrangements are being finalised for three summer Tests against Wales and France prior to the World Cup in October. They will be played on the last three Saturdays in August, the third of which is a day before the World Cup deadline on internationals.

The Daily Mail reports that the opening match, against France, is provisionally booked for August 16, with Marseille the likely venue. England have agreed to play Wales at the Millennium Stadium seven days later, with the return against France scheduled for Twickenham on August 30.

It means that they will have played 11 internationals next year before leaving for the World Cup - five in the Six Nations, three on tour in June against Japan, Australia and New Zealand, followed by three more in August.

England are expected to give the majority of their front-line players a rest this summer. Martin Johnson heads the list of those who will not be required in the South Pacific for the end-of-season Tests against Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

At least five other Lions - Jonny Wilkinson, Danny Grewcock, Richard Hill, Neil Back and Phil Vickery - will also be given the chance to put their feet up. For Lawrence Dallaglio and Iain Balshaw, among others, the June tour will be a chance to make up lost ground.

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