England has agreed to play midweek games in South Africa – Rugby News update
England arrives in South Africa on the 31st of May 2012, to play a three-test series. It will be the first time since 1996 when they hosted New Zealand, that South Africa will be hosting a three match series.
England was scheduled to play three tests, starting on June 9 at King's Park, Durban, following that up by playing at Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg, on June 16, and ending the series on 23 June at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth. However, they
have added two mid-week fixtures on the list.
These two fixtures will be played between the first and the second test. The first of the two midweek games will be played on June 13 at the GWK Park, Kimberley against the South Africa Barbarians South. The second midweek game will be played against South
Africa Barbarians North on June 19 at Profert Olen Park, Potchefstroom.
The teams for the midweek games will be made up of representatives from the Currie Cup First Division sides, which make up players who play for South Africa's second-tier of domestic rugby. It will be a great opportunity for these players to test their mettle
against a top international team.
"I think all rugby fans will be excited by the idea of having England on tour in South Africa for five matches over three weeks," said South Africa Rugby Union chief executive Jurie Roux, who is excited at having a team tour South Africa.
England will be coached by Stuart Lancaster and he is excited about touring the country and putting his chargers against the very best in the sport.
He said, "England have never had a three-Test series in South Africa and, with two midweek games against opponents who will be desperate to impress, these five games give us a great opportunity for a wider group of players to put their hat in the ring and
gain international experience. We were pleased with the progress we made in the Six Nations and this tour is another important step on the journey towards 2015."
England will play the Barbarians at Twickenham on May 27, their traditional fixture before they leave for South Africa.
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