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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Gerard Meagher

England expected to field second-string XV against Fiji due to travel schedule chaos

Maro Itoje among his England teammates during the defeat by Ireland at Twickenham
The England captain, Maro Itoje, is unlikely to face Fiji with his side having to play three games across three continents in July. Photograph: Ashley Western/Colorsport/Shutterstock

England have been handed a gruelling 25,000-mile travel itinerary for their inaugural Nations ­Championship fixtures in July and are expected to split their squad and field a weakened team against Fiji as a result.

As revealed exclusively by the Guardian, England’s match against Fiji – the week after they face South Africa in Johannesburg and the week before playing away in Argentina – will be staged at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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