Georgia set to join eight-team tournament

Georgia is likely to join the eight-team tournament in the United Kingdom later this year after Japan have decided against featuring in the tournament.

With the traditional autumn series cancelled, Six Nations sides - England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales along with Fiji and Japan were set to compete in the tournament between 14th November and 5th December.

However,Japan's preparation for the tournament has been hampered by the travel restrictions in the country following the pandemic coronavirus and as a result has opted out of the competition according to reports.

Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney revealed Japan's hesitancy to be part of the competition and added that a replacement for the Brave Blossoms will be announced if they opt out.

"I know Japan have had some concerns about travel and restrictions and that's part of the challenge we are all facing globally," RFU chief Bill Sweeney told BBC Sport.

"We would still love it if they were able to come, but we have got fall-back options should that not be the case. Ideally we would keep it at eight teams."

England, Wales, Ireland and Fiji had been pooled in one group while Japan was positioned along with Scotland, France and Italy in the other group.

Scotland were set to face Georgia in a warm-up game on 24th October but if their participation in the tournament is confirmed then the Dark Blues will be seeking a different opponent.