Namibia, Russia and Spain to Play in Uruguay in June 2017

Namibia, Russia and Spain are to play in Uruguay in June 2017. The three countries will all compete in the 2017 Nations Cup, joining the Argentina XV, Emerging Italy and Uruguay. All matches will be played in Montevideo.

The Nations Cup will have three match days – June 10, 14 and 18. All six participants will compete on these three days. Pool matches will be on the initial two days while the third will be finals day. In the 2016 competition Uruguay defeated Spain on finals day while the Argentina XV fell to Romania.

Since beginning in 2006 the Nations Cup has been a developmental pathway for participants. Romania hosted the tournament from 2007-2016 but is not to play in 2017. Instead Romania will be playing in the June Internationals, playing tests in Asia and North America.

Romania’s tour sees Russia replacing them in the competition. It also means Uruguay it to host the tournament for the first time in history. Uruguay defeated Russia in the final place play-off to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2015. Russia has played in the previous World Cup. Spain appeared in Rugby World Cup 1999 as did Namibia and the Africans have also qualified for all World Cups since then.

Uruguay will play capped internationals against both Russia and Spain. Los Teros will not play against Namibia. The African’s three matches are to bed against Spain, Emerging Italy and Russia.

The Russian Rugby Federation has confirmed the calendar. The complete fixtures list is as follows.