Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

watch listenBBC SportBBC Sport
Low graphics|Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Wednesday, 23 January 2008, 10:00 GMT
England arrange All Blacks Test
New Zealand
England are to play New Zealand at Twickenham on 29 November
Brian Ashton's England look set to play New Zealand at Twickenham this autumn.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has agreed to host the All Blacks on Saturday, 29 November as an additional fourth autumn international.

The profit-sharing match is still subject to approval from the International Rugby Board (IRB).

But RFU chief executive Francis Baron said: "We are just waiting on IRB clearance, which we expect to receive some time this week."

The match against the All Blacks comes three weekends after England host the cash-strapped Pacific Islanders, who cannot claim an appearance fee or a percentage of the gate receipts.

But Baron has defended England's decision to allow New Zealand to take home a significant portion of the approximate �7m revenue the RFU makes from home internationals.

606: DEBATE

"Any Test played outside of the IRB official tours window require a voluntary agreement between the two participating unions and all the issues of cost sharing come into it, so you have to agree a financial package," said Baron.

"We are very proud of our record here. We always provide financial assistance to the Pacific Island teams when they come here. We have helped Samoa and Tonga.

"We haven't had a request from the Pacific Islands yet but if we did get one we would listen sympathetically."

England's two other opponents in November are Australia (15 November) and South Africa (22 November).

SEE ALSO
Richards set to miss Six Nations
22 Jan 08 |  London Irish
Cipriani wants Wilkinson's place
22 Jan 08 |  Rugby Union
Vainikolo spirit lifted by return
21 Jan 08 |  Rugby Union


RELATED BBC LINKS:

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


BBC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Daily and weekly e-mails | Mobiles | Desktop Tools | News Feeds | Interactive Television | Downloads
Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other sport...

Help | Privacy & Cookies Policy | News sources | About the BBC | Contact us | Advertise with us