No England-All Blacks clash until 2018 as Barbarians Twickenham tilt is announced as expected
A mouthwatering showdown between the world’s top two sides will have to wait until 2018 with the Barbarians playing the world champions in November
A mouthwatering showdown between England and New Zealand will have to wait until 2018 after it was announced Wednesday that the Barbarians will play the world champion All Blacks at Twickenham on November 4.
England coach Eddie Jones had confirmed reports in the British media indicating that the Rugby Football Union, were keen to squeeze in a match between his Six Nations champions and New Zealand on that date.
But the invitational Barbarians, in a match marking their 125th anniversary, have now received approval from the RFU, English rugby union’s governing body, to play the All Blacks on November 4.
“The Barbarians approached the RFU last month with a request to stage this fixture at Twickenham and the request has been granted, replacing a Barbarians v Australia match previously approved,” said a Barbarians statement.
Watch: highlights of the last clash between England and New Zealand
England are now not scheduled to play New Zealand until November 2018, with an RFU spokeswoman saying that Wednesday’s announcement meant there was no chance of the two countries meeting later this year.