Matt Cooper: Clock is ticking on whether all the Six Nations games will be held in England

With restrictions on attendances in Ireland, Scotland and Wales – and France not wanting any visitors travelling from England at all – playing all the matches in England in full capacity stadiums might seem attractive. But would it be like Cheltenham 2020 all over again, only worse?

Ireland in action against England at the Aviva during last year’s Six Nations which was played behind closed doors: the deadline is looming on a decision about venues for this year’s tournament. Picture by Charles McQuillan/Getty

It is less than a month before the start of this year’s Six Nations rugby tournament, and there has been some talk – most likely fanciful – that the entire tournament might have to be played in England.

The reason? Ireland has a capacity limit of 5,000 people at matches, and Scotland and Wales are allowing even smaller crowds – 500 and 50 respectively. France doesn’t want people coming in from Britain at all, and ...