Six Nations: England vs Italy postponed due to coronavirus

The teams were scheduled to face each other in Rome next weekend but the fixture has been pushed back.

It follows the postponement of the Italy vs Ireland game in the Six Nations which was due to take place this weekend.

Six Nations chiefs now face the challenge of finding a date to re-stage England's visit to Rome knowing there is not much room in the calendar to accommodate the match.

The postponements mean it will be some time before a winner of the 2020 Six Nations is established.

England face Wales at Twickenham on Saturday needing victory to keep them in title contention.

Six Nations has issued official confirmation that Italy versus England has been postponed, along with the accompanying women's and under-20 games.

‘The decision has now been taken to postpone the three matches between Italy and England (men's, women's, and U20) set to take place over the weekend of 13th/14th/15th March, with the intention to reschedule them at later dates,’ a statement read.

‘Based on the information that is currently available, all other Six Nations matches are set to go ahead as scheduled.

‘As previously stated, Six Nations fully intends to complete all 15 games across all three championships when time allows.’

Italy is the European country most affected by the coronavirus with in excess of 3,000 people infected - a number that includes over 100 deaths. Eleven towns in northern Italy are in lockdown.