WALES boss Wayne Pivac is relishing an autumn return to action after dates and times were confirmed for six Tests.

The national team will take on France in Paris on Saturday, October 24 (kick-off 8pm) to tune up for their rearranged Six Nations finale against Scotland on Saturday, October 31 (kick-off 2.15pm).

The venue for that fixture – like their other 'home' autumn clashes – is yet to be confirmed but Principality Stadium is unavailable because it is still acting as a field hospital because of the coronavirus pandemic.

After a rest week, Wales get the Autumn Nations Cup under way after being placed in Group A of the eight-team tournament along with England, Ireland and Georgia.

 

They start against Ireland in Dublin on Friday, November 13 (kick-off 7pm) and then host Georgia on Saturday, November 21 (kick-off 5.15pm).

Their final pool fixture is a 'home' one against England on Saturday, November 28 (kick-off 4pm).

There will be a final round of matches with the teams from Group A facing their respectively ranked one from B, which features France, Italy, Scotland and Fiji.

Western Telegraph:

"International rugby has been hugely missed and we can't wait to get back underway this autumn with six great fixtures," said Pivac.

"We kick off our run of matches with a hit out against France in preparation for our Six Nations encounter against Scotland, which is important as it concludes the 2020 Guinness Six Nations. It is a match where we will want a big performance.

"We will then look at the Autumn Nations Cup and 2021 Guinness Six Nations as a 20-week, two-block format.

"The autumns are another opportunity to further fine tune our game and develop individuals in our quest to add to an already exciting squad. All this of course with a view to be peaking for the Six Nations.

"We are hugely excited to be meeting back up as a squad in a few weeks. It has been a tough year for everyone so we are hoping international rugby can provide some relief and enjoyment for supporters and sports fans alike."

The Welsh Rugby Union are looking into venues for their three fixtures and want to host games in London if crowds are allowed.

They have approached Premier League clubs Tottenham and West Ham United but are waiting on the partial lifting of UK government restrictions.

If crowds are not allowed then the fixtures will be held in Wales, with Llanelli's Parc y Scarlets reported to be a favoured venue.

The planned autumn schedule featuring Tests against Fiji, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa was scrapped along with summer Tests against Japan and the All Blacks.

Georgia have replaced Japan in the competition that follows completion of the rearranged Six Nations fixtures after the 2019 World Cup hosts were forced to withdraw because of logistical complications arising from COVID-19.

A broadcast deal has yet to be agreed but Amazon are front runners to secure the rights.

The presence of fans also remains uncertain as a result of the decision by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to limit attendance at test events at 1,000 for the rest of the month, pending review.

Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel said: "While the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic made the traditional autumn Test window unfeasible, we remained determined to deliver a unique and compelling tournament which would ensure world class rugby for our fans globally, and competitive matches for players, unions and federations."