Wales Struggle in 2024 Six Nations, Aim to Rebound in Autumn Internationals
Wales, the reigning Six Nations champions, endured a winless campaign in the 2024 edition of the tournament, dropping to 10th in the World Rugby men’s rankings. However, the Welsh side is determined to bounce back as they prepare to face some of the world’s top teams in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.
In November, Warren Gatland’s team will host Fiji, Australia, and world champions South Africa at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The matches are scheduled for three consecutive Sundays, with the Wales-Fiji clash kicking off the series on November 10th, followed by the clash against Australia a week later and the showdown with the Springboks on November 23rd.
This will be the first time since 2000 that Wales have played only three home fixtures during the autumn international window, excluding World Cup years when the series does not take place. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has traditionally organized an additional match to generate revenue, but on this occasion, there will be no fourth fixture.
“This is an exciting Autumn Nations Series schedule for Wales, with fixtures against three key southern hemisphere opposition in quick succession,” said WRU executive director of rugby Nigel Walker. “We look forward to welcoming Fiji, Australia and South Africa to Principality Stadium this November as we celebrate the stadium’s 25th anniversary.”
The match against South Africa will be particularly significant, as it will mark the 25th anniversary of the Principality Stadium’s first international fixture, which was a clash between Wales and the Springboks back in 1999.
“Wales may have had a disappointing Six Nations campaign, but they are always a force to be reckoned with at home,” said South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus. “So we know we have to be at the top of our game when we line up against them.”
Before the Autumn Nations Series, Wales will face South Africa in Twickenham on June 22nd and then travel to Australia for a two-match series against the Wallabies on July 6th and July 13th. The tour will conclude with a friendly against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on July 19th, bringing a close to a demanding season that will have included 18 Wales matches.
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