The Autumn Nations Cup was formed in order for 8 of the top international sides in the world to reclaim some of the lost funds due to the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament was held in November and December of 2020 and consisted of England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Georgia and Fiji.

All 8 teams were split up into 2 groups of 4 with Group A consisting of England, Ireland, Wales and Georgia and Group B consisting of France, Scotland, Italy and Fiji. Fiji were unable to compete in the group stages due to a string of positive Covid-19 cases within the squad.

England topped Group A following wins over Ireland and Wales along with a dominant 40-0victory over Georgia. Ireland finished in second place due to beating third-placed Wales 32-9in the opening round of the tournament. Georgia finished in last place and were resigned to playing no shows Fiji in the 7th place playoff. France topped group B where they beat second-placed Scotland and third-placed Italy to round out the group.

The 7th place playoff between Georgia and Fiji was played in Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh due to neither side having a registered home ground for the tournament. This was Fiji’s first appearance in the tournament in which they won 38-28 in a hugely exciting match.

Wales and Italy contested the 5th place playoff in PARC y Scarlets, Wales, where the men in red had their best outing of the tournament. Italy was underwhelming as they went down and lost 38-18.

The third-place playoff was a tough fought match between second-placed sides Ireland and Scotland which was held in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Scotland started the match well, however, they were unable to deal with the Irish physicality as Ireland went on to secure their third-place spot in a 31-16 victory.

England and France took their first-place match to extra time and was the first Autumn Nations Cup match to do so. France played a weakened squad due to contractual issues with the French Top 14 league. England went on to lift the trophy following an exciting 22-19 victory after extra time.