The 2021 mid-year rugby union internationals (also known as the summer internationals in the
Northern Hemisphere
The Northern Hemisphere is the half of Earth that is north of the Equator. For other planets in the Solar System, north is defined as being in the same celestial hemisphere relative to the invariable plane of the solar system as Earth's Nort ...
) were a series of international
rugby union
Rugby union, commonly known simply as rugby, is a close-contact team sport that originated at Rugby School in the first half of the 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand. In its m ...
matches that are typically played in the Southern Hemisphere during the July international window. Due to ongoing restrictions around the world due to the
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...
, a number of matches were cancelled, and some series reversed so that the Northern Hemisphere nations hosted the matches, and some teams played for the first time since their final matches of the
2019 Rugby World Cup
The 2019 Rugby World Cup was the ninth edition of the Rugby World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for men's rugby union teams. It was hosted in Japan from 20 September to 2 November in 12 venues all across the country. The opening match ...
.
The window was highlighted by the
2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa
The 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa was an international rugby union tour that took place in South Africa in July and August 2021. The British & Irish Lions, a team selected from players eligible to represent England, Ireland, Scot ...
, which included a three-test series between the Lions and
South Africa
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring countri ...
. Ahead of the tour, the Lions hosted their first home match since 2005, against
Japan
Japan ( ja, 日本, or , and formally , ''Nihonkoku'') is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean, and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north ...
in
Scotland
Scotland (, ) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the ...
, while South Africa were scheduled to host a two-test series against
Georgia
Georgia most commonly refers to:
* Georgia (country), a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia
* Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the Southeast United States
Georgia may also refer to:
Places
Historical states and entities
* Related to the ...
; the first time the teams had met outside the
Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup is a men's rugby union tournament contested every four years between the top international teams. The tournament is administered by World Rugby, the sport's international governing body. The winners are awarded the Webb E ...
. The second test of this series was cancelled. Japan went on to play
Ireland
Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
. Ireland also played the
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
, having had to adapt their summer tour after their test series away to
Fiji
Fiji ( , ,; fj, Viti, ; Fiji Hindi: फ़िजी, ''Fijī''), officially the Republic of Fiji, is an island country in Melanesia, part of Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies about north-northeast of New Zealand. Fiji consists ...
was cancelled. To replace Ireland's tour, Fiji traveled to New Zealand for a first ever test series against the
All Blacks
The New Zealand national rugby union team, commonly known as the All Blacks ( mi, Ōpango), represents New Zealand in men's international rugby union, which is considered the country's national sport. The team won the Rugby World Cup in 1987 ...
, who also hosted
Tonga
Tonga (, ; ), officially the Kingdom of Tonga ( to, Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻo Tonga), is a Polynesian country and archipelago. The country has 171 islands – of which 45 are inhabited. Its total surface area is about , scattered over in ...
Samoa
Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa; sm, Sāmoa, and until 1997 known as Western Samoa, is a Polynesian island country consisting of two main islands (Savai'i and Upolu); two smaller, inhabited islands (Manono Island, Manono an ...
, and Samoa used a two-match series against the
Māori All Blacks
The Māori All Blacks, previously called the New Zealand Maori, New Zealand Maoris and New Zealand Natives, are a rugby union team from New Zealand. They are a representative team of the New Zealand Rugby Union, and a prerequisite for playing i ...
as their preparation. The three-test series between
Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
and
France
France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
was condensed to take place within 11 days, due to French club commitments and a hotel quarantine period for the France team. Australia go on to play New Zealand in the first
Bledisloe Cup
The Bledisloe Cup is an annual rugby union competition originally staged between the national teams of Australia's Wallabies and New Zealand's All Blacks that has been contested since the 1930s. The frequency that the competition is held has va ...
match of the year.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe b ...
and
Wales
Wales ( cy, Cymru ) is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by England to the Wales–England border, east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, the Celtic Sea to the south west and the ...
's summer tours were reversed, as England welcomed
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
and the United States, and Wales hosted
Argentina
Argentina (), officially the Argentine Republic ( es, link=no, República Argentina), is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina covers an area of , making it the second-largest country in South America after Brazil, th ...
. Wales, who were originally meant to play
Uruguay
Uruguay (; ), officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay ( es, República Oriental del Uruguay), is a country in South America. It shares borders with Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and northeast; while bordering ...
as part of their South America tour, instead played Canada ahead of their two-test series against Argentina. Argentina also prepared for the series with a first visit to
Bucharest
Bucharest ( , ; ro, București ) is the capital and largest city of Romania, as well as its cultural, industrial, and financial centre. It is located in the southeast of the country, on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, less than north of ...
since 1992 to play
Romania
Romania ( ; ro, România ) is a country located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Central, Eastern Europe, Eastern, and Southeast Europe, Southeastern Europe. It borders Bulgaria to the south, Ukraine to the north, Hungary to the west, S ...
, which replaced Argentina's cancelled home game against Georgia. Romania were scheduled to face
Scotland
Scotland (, ) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the ...
for the first time since 2011 and Scotland were also due to play Georgia as part of their Eastern Europe tour, but both matches were cancelled.
The window also contained a number of other 2023 Rugby World Cup qualification warm-ups as Uruguay played an Argentina XV, the
Cook Islands
)
, image_map = Cook Islands on the globe (small islands magnified) (Polynesia centered).svg
, capital = Avarua
, coordinates =
, largest_city = Avarua
, official_languages =
, lan ...
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe (), officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country located in Southeast Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the south-west, Zambia to the north, and Mozam ...
played
Zambia
Zambia (), officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central Africa, Central, Southern Africa, Southern and East Africa, although it is typically referred to as being in Southern Africa at its most cent ...
. Zimbabwe were also scheduled to play
Portugal
Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic ( pt, República Portuguesa, links=yes ), is a country whose mainland is located on the Iberian Peninsula of Southwestern Europe, and whose territory also includes the Atlantic archipelagos of ...
, but the match was cancelled.
Series
Other tours
Fixtures
June
----
----
----
----
----
Notes:
* The sides faced each other for the first time since 2008.
----
Notes:
* Hamish Watson and
Zander Fagerson
Zander James Ragnar Fagerson (born 19 January 1996) is a Scottish international rugby union player who plays for Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship. His regular playing position is Prop.
Rugby union career
Amateur career
Fage ...
(British & Irish Lions) were named to start, but was withdrawn in the week leading up to the game due to injury and head knock. Justin Tipuric replaced Watson whilst Tadhg Furlong was promoted from the bench to replace Fagerson - Kyle Sinckler replaced Furlong on the bench.
* No replacement was made for Jack Conan.
*
Jack Cornelsen
is an Australian-born Japanese rugby union player who plays as a Flanker. He currently plays for Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan's domestic Top League
Japan Rugby League One (formerly the Top League) is a rugby union competition in Japan ...
,
Siosaia Fifita
is a Tongan born Japanese rugby union player who plays as a Centre or Wing
A wing is a type of fin that produces lift while moving through air or some other fluid. Accordingly, wings have streamlined cross-sections that are subject t ...
, Craig Millar and Naoto Saito (all Japan) made their international debuts.
* Japan became the eighth test nation to play the British & Irish Lions.
----
2/3/4 July
Notes:
* Giorgi Tsutskiridze (Georgia) was named to start but was injured in training ahead of the game and was replaced by
Ilia Spanderashvili
Ilia Spanderashvili (born 10 September 1997) is a Georgian rugby union player. His position is flanker, and he currently plays for Penza in the Russian Rugby Championship and the Georgia national team. He was a captain of Georgia U20 in 2017, d ...
Aphelele Fassi
Aphelele Onke Okuhle Fassi (born 23 January 1998) is a South African professional rugby union player for the in the United Rugby Championship and the Currie Cup
The Currie Cup is South Africa's premier domestic rugby union competition, p ...
,
Rosko Specman
Rosko Shane Specman (born 28 April 1989) is a South African rugby union player for the in Super Rugby, the in the Currie Cup and the in the Rugby Challenge. He played rugby sevens for the South Africa national rugby sevens team between 20 ...
and
Jasper Wiese
Jasper van der Westhuizen Wiese (born 21 October 1995) is a South African rugby union player who plays for Leicester Tigers in England's Premiership Rugby. He previously played for the in the Pro14, the in the Currie Cup and the in the Rug ...
(all South Africa) and Luka Japaridze (Georgia) made their international debuts.
----
Notes:
* Albert Anae and
Ahsee Tuala
Ahsee Tuala (born 23 August 1989) is a Samoan rugby union player who plays as a fullback for Aviva Premiership side Northampton Saints.
Early career
Tuala was born in Samoa, but moved to New Zealand with his family aged 2 years old and grew up ...
(Samoa) were named to start but withdrew ahead of kick off due to injury and were replaced by
Tomasi Alosio
Tomasi Alosio Logotuli (born 26 January 1992) is a Samoan rugby union player who plays for in the Bunnings NPC. His position is wing or fullback.
Career
He was named in the Moana Pasifika squad for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.
He a ...
and Tietie Tuimauga. Jonah Aoina replaced Tuimauga on the bench.
* This was the Māori All Blacks' 125th international match.
----
Notes:
* Tau Kolomatangi (Tonga) was named as a replacement, but was replaced by Lua Li in the week leading up to the match after eligibility concerns over Kolomatangi arose surrounding a previous appearance for
Hong Kong
Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ( abbr. Hong Kong SAR or HKSAR), is a city and special administrative region of China on the eastern Pearl River Delt ...
in 2019 possibly capturing the player to Hong Kong.
*
Ethan Blackadder
Ethan J. Blackadder (born 22 March 1995) is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays for in the Bunnings NPC and the in the Super Rugby competition. His position of choice is flanker. He is the son of former All Blacks player Todd Blackad ...
Solomone Funaki
Solomone Funaki (born 25 April 1994) is a Tongan rugby union player, who currently plays as a loose forward for in New Zealand's domestic National Provincial Championship competition and in Super Rugby.
Early life and career
Funaki was bo ...
Sam Moli
Samiuela Moli is a New Zealand born Tongan rugby union player who plays for the Tasman Mako in the Bunnings NPC and Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby. His position of choice is Hooker.
Tasman
Moli made his debut for in Round 9 of the 2017 Mitr ...
, , Hosea Saumaki, Viliami Taulani, Sione Tuipulotu (all Tonga) made their international debuts.
* New Zealand equalled their highest winning margin over Tonga of 102 points, set in June 2000.
* New Zealand scored more than 100 points in a game for the sixth time.
----
Notes:
*
Kazuki Himeno
is a Japanese international rugby union player who plays as a Loose Forward or Lock. He currently plays for the Highlanders in Super Rugby and Toyota Verblitz in Japan's domestic Top League
Japan Rugby League One (formerly the Top Lea ...
(Japan) was named to start but withdrew ahead of game day and was replaced by
Tevita Tatafu
is a Japanese rugby union player who plays as a Flanker or Number 8. He currently plays for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan's domestic Top League.
International
Tatafu was called-up to his country's wider training squad in April 2021, ahead of ...
.
Amanaki Mafi
Amanaki Lelei Mafi (born 11 January 1990) is a Tongan-born, Japanese professional rugby union player who currently plays as a number 8 for the Japanese Sunwolves, Japan national rugby union team and the Bath Rugby Union team for a short period ...
replaced Tatafu on the bench.
*
Gavin Coombes
Gavin Coombes (born 11 December 1997) is an Irish rugby union player for United Rugby Championship and European Rugby Champions Cup side Munster. Coombes made his international debut for Ireland in 2021. He plays primarily as a number 8, but ...
(Ireland) and
Shane Gates
Shane Edward Gates (born 27 September 1992) is a South African-born Japanese professional rugby union player, currently playing in the Japanese Top League with NTT Communications Shining Arcs. His usual position is fly-half or inside centre.
...
and
Semisi Masirewa
Semisi Masirewa (born 9 June 1992) is a rugby union player who played as an outside back for the in the international Super Rugby competition. He previously played Super Rugby for the as well as for and in New Zealand's Mitre 10 Cup.
Care ...
(both Japan) made their international debuts.
----
Notes:
*
Leigh Halfpenny
Stephen Leigh Halfpenny (born 22 December 1988) is a Welsh rugby union player who plays as a fullback or wing for the Scarlets, Wales and the British & Irish Lions. Halfpenny is the third highest points scorer for Wales after Neil Jenkins and ...
(Wales) earned his 100th international cap (96 for Wales, 4 for the
British & Irish Lions
The British & Irish Lions is a rugby union team selected from players eligible for the national teams of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The Lions are a test side and most often select players who have already played for their national ...
Don Carson
Donald Arthur Carson (born December 21, 1946) is an evangelical biblical scholar. He is a Distinguished Emeritus Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and president and co-founder of the Gospel Coalition. He has written ...
,
Cooper Coats
Cooper Coats (born 6 October 1996) is a Canadian rugby union and sevens player, who plays for the Canada Sevens national team and Halifax Tars RFC.
Career
He began playing rugby at 16 years old at Citadel High School, he was an originally a fo ...
,
Quinn Ngawati
Quinn Ngawati (born 15 June 1999) is a Canadian rugby union player currently playing for Rugby New York (Ironworkers) of Major League Rugby (MLR) in the U.S.
He formerly represented the Toronto Wolfpack in the Betfred Super League, becoming ...
,
Tyler Rowland
Tyler Rowland (born 16 October 1999) is a Canadian rugby union player, currently playing for the Toronto Arrows of Major League Rugby (MLR) and the Canadian national team. His preferred position is prop.
Professional career
Rowland signed for M ...
Siaki Vikilani
Siaki Vikilani (born 7 August 2000) is a Canadian rugby union player, currently playing for the Toronto Arrows of Major League Rugby (MLR) and the Canadian national team. His preferred position is flanker or number 8.
Professional career
Vik ...
(all Canada) made their international debuts.
----
----
Notes:
*
Emiliano Boffelli
Emiliano Boffelli (born 16 January 1995) is an Argentine rugby union player who plays as a utility back for Edinburgh Rugby in the United Rugby Championship. He previously played for the in the international Super Rugby competition and als ...
(Argentina) had been named to start but withdrew in the week leading up to the game; Santiago Cordero moved from the wing to fullback with
Bautista Delguy
Bautista Delguy (born 22 April 1997) is an Argentine rugby union player who plays for the Argentina national team and ASM Clermont Auvergne in the French Top 14. His playing position is Wing.
Delguy's professional debut came against the Lions ...
joining the starting XV on the wing. Juan Cruz Mallía replaced Delguy on the bench.
* Florian Roșu (Romania) and
Juan Martín González
Juan Martín González Samso (born 14 November 2000) is an Argentine professional rugby union player who plays as a flanker for Premiership Rugby club Saracens and the Argentina national team.
Club career
González signed for Súper Liga ...
(Argentina) made their international debuts.
* Argentina retained the Latin Cup.
----
Notes:
* Will Hooley (United States) had been named to start but withdrew ahead of the game due to injury;
Marcel Brache
Marcel Girard Brache (born 15 October 1987) is an American rugby union player. Brache was born in Los Angeles, California and was raised primarily in South Africa. He currently plays for the Austin Gilgronis of Major League Rugby (MLR), generall ...
moved from centre to fullback to replace him and Calvin Whiting moved from the bench to centre. Christian Dyer replaced Whiting on the bench.
*
Lewis Ludlow
Lewis Ludlow (born 11 September 1994) is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a Flanker (rugby union), flanker for Gloucester Rugby, Gloucester.
Club career
Ludlow joined the academy of Gloucester Rugby at the age of 17. In N ...
became the fifth player to captain England on debut and the first man since
Nigel Melville
Nigel David Melville (born 6 January 1961) is a former England national rugby union team scrum half and captain and currently serves as Director of Professional Rugby for Rugby Football Union.
Melville became the youngest player to captain E ...
in 1984.
*
Jamie Blamire
Jamie Blamire (born 22 December 1997) is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a hooker for Newcastle Falcons in Premiership Rugby.
Early life
Blamire was born in Seaton, Cumbria to
parents Graeme, a conservatory builder and ...
Ben Curry
Ben Curry (born in Hounslow, England) is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a flanker for Sale Sharks in Premiership Rugby.
Club career
Curry made his professional debut against Wasps on 4 November 2016 in the Anglo- ...
Curtis Langdon
Curtis John Langdon (born 3 August 1997) is an English professional rugby union player who plays at hooker. He recently played for Worcester Warriors in Premiership Rugby but his contract was terminated along with every other Warriors player o ...
,
Lewis Ludlow
Lewis Ludlow (born 11 September 1994) is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a Flanker (rugby union), flanker for Gloucester Rugby, Gloucester.
Club career
Ludlow joined the academy of Gloucester Rugby at the age of 17. In N ...
,
Josh McNally
Joshua James McNally (born 21 August 1990) is an English rugby union lock (rugby union), lock for Bath Rugby in the Premiership Rugby, England's top division of rugby union. He is also a Royal Air Force weapons technician and has been in the RA ...
Riekert Hattingh
Riekert Hattingh (born 5 March 1994) is a United States rugby union player, currently playing for the Seattle Seawolves of Major League Rugby (MLR) and the United States national team. His preferred position is flanker or number 8.
Professio ...
and Mika Kruse (all United States) made their international debuts.
* The United States made their highest score against England, surpassing the previous highest of 19 scored in 2001.
----
Darcy Swain
Darcy Taimua Swain (born 5 July 1997) is an Australian rugby union player who plays for the in the Super Rugby. His position of choice is lock.
Debuting for the Australian National Rugby Team in 2021 in the series against France, he was bro ...
Melvyn Jaminet
Melvyn Jaminet (born 30 June 1999) is a French rugby union player who plays for Stade Toulousain in the Top 14 and the France national team.
Biography
Melvyn Jaminet was called by Fabien Galthié to the French national team for the first time ...
and
Quentin Walcker
Quentin Walcker (born 21 February 1996 in France) is a French rugby union player who plays for in the Top 14. His playing position is prop. Walcker signed for in 2021, following five seasons at . He made his debut for France in the 2021 July r ...
Peniami Narisia
Peniami Narisia (born 10 June 1997 in Fiji) is a Fijian rugby union player who plays for in the Top 14. His playing position is Hooker (rugby union), hooker. Narisia has played for Brive since 2015. He made his debut for Fiji national rugby un ...
(all Fiji) made their international debuts.
----
Notes:
* This is the first draw between these two nations in 19 meetings.
----
Notes:
*
Alex Dombrandt
Alex Joseph Dombrandt (born 29 April 1997) is an English professional rugby union player for Harlequins in Premiership Rugby. His primary position is Number 8.
Early years and education
Dombrandt began playing rugby at the age of six for War ...
Liam Murray
Liam Murray (born 17 October 1997) is a Canadian rugby union player, currently playing for the Dallas Jackals of Major League Rugby (MLR) and the Canadian national team. His preferred position is prop.
Professional career
Murray signed for Maj ...
and Corey Thomas (all Canada) made their international debuts.
* England's opening try was their quickest test try since
Jonathan Webb
Jonathan Mark Webb (born 24 August 1963 in London, England) is a specialist knee surgeon and former English rugby union fullback. Webb played for the England national team from 1987 to 1993, reaching the 1991 World Cup Final and winning two F ...
scored in 23 seconds vs
Ireland
Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
at Twickenham in 1992.
* Adam Radwan became the sixth English player to score a hat trick on test debut, the last was
Jeremy Guscott
Jeremy Clayton Guscott (born 7 July 1965) is a British former rugby union outside centre who played for Bath, England and the British and Irish Lions. He also appeared for England on the wing.
Guscott was born in Bath, Somerset, one of the tw ...
against
Romania
Romania ( ; ro, România ) is a country located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Central, Eastern Europe, Eastern, and Southeast Europe, Southeastern Europe. It borders Bulgaria to the south, Ukraine to the north, Hungary to the west, S ...
in 1989.
*
Jamie Blamire
Jamie Blamire (born 22 December 1997) is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a hooker for Newcastle Falcons in Premiership Rugby.
Early life
Blamire was born in Seaton, Cumbria to
parents Graeme, a conservatory builder and ...
became the second English hooker to score a test hat trick after
Jamie George
Jamie Edward George (born 20 October 1990) is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a hooker for Premiership Rugby club Saracens and the England national team.
Early life
George played for local team Hertford Rugby Foo ...
became the first against
Georgia
Georgia most commonly refers to:
* Georgia (country), a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia
* Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the Southeast United States
Georgia may also refer to:
Places
Historical states and entities
* Related to the ...
during the
Autumn Nations Cup
The Autumn Nations Cup was a rugby union competition held in November and December 2020 in place of the usual Autumn internationals series typically held in the same period each year, as many teams were avoiding extended travel due to the COVID- ...
.
----
----
Notes:
*
Robert Baloucoune
Robert Baloucoune (born 19 August 1997) is an Irish rugby union player who plays on the wing for United Rugby Championship and European Champions Cup side Ulster, and internationally for Ireland
Early career
Baloucoune was born in Enniskille ...
Paul Boyle
Paul Joseph Boyle, (born 16 November 1964) is a British geographer, academic, and academic administrator. He was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester between 2014 and 2019. He had been Professor of Human Geography at the Universit ...
,
Harry Byrne
Harry Byrne (born 22 April 1999) is an Irish rugby union player who is currently a member of the Leinster academy. He plays as a fly-half and represents Lansdowne in the All-Ireland League.
Leinster
Whilst still in Leinster's academy, Byrne w ...
Nick Timoney
Nick Timoney (born 1 August 1995) is an Irish rugby union player, who plays in the back row for Ulster and Ireland. He is regarded as a "hybrid" player, an athletic forward with the pace of a back.Fineen Wycherley (all Ireland) and
Andrew Guerra
Andrew Guerra (born 25 February 1998) is an American rugby union player, currently playing for the New Orleans Gold of Major League Rugby (MLR) and the United States national team. His preferred position is flanker.
Professional career
Guerra ...
(United States) made their international debuts.
* Ronan Kelleher became the fourth Irish player to score four tries in a test match.
* Ireland registered their largest home win against the United States.
Wilfrid Hounkpatin
Wilfrid Hounkpatin (born 29 July 1991) is a French rugby union player. His position is prop and he currently plays for Castres in the Top 14
The Top 14 () is a professional rugby union club competition that is played in France. Created in 1 ...
(all France) made their international debuts.
* France win in Australia for the first time since their 28–19 victory in Sydney in the final test of their 1990 tour.
17 July
----
Notes:
*
Dane Coles
Dane or Danes may refer to:
People Pertaining to Denmark
* Dane, somebody from Denmark
* Danes, an ethnic group native to Denmark
* Danes (Germanic tribe)
Other people
* Dane (name), a surname and a given name (and a list of people with the nam ...
Kitione Kamikamica
Kitione Kamikamica (born 27 April 1996 in Fiji) is a Fijian rugby union player who plays for in the Top 14. His playing position is Flanker (rugby union), flanker. Kamikamica signed for in 2019, having previously represented and . He made hi ...
,
Moses Sorovi
Moses Sorovi (born 15 January 1996) is an Australian rugby union player who plays as a Scrum-half for the Super Rugby team the . He has also represented Australia at Schoolboy's level.
Sorovi played 7 games in the 2020 Super Rugby AU season, ...
Anton Lienert-Brown
Anton Russell Lienert-Brown (born 15 April 1995) is a New Zealand Rugby Union, rugby union player who currently plays as a Centre (rugby union), second five-eighth or Centre (rugby union), Centre for the in Super Rugby, and in the Mitre 10 Cu ...
(New Zealand) earned their 50th test cap.
----
Notes:
* Cyril Cazeaux (France) was named to start but withdrew ahead of the game and was replaced by Pierre-Henri Azagoh.
Baptiste Pesenti
Baptiste Pesenti (born 3 July 1997) is a French rugby union player. His position is lock or flanker and he currently plays for Stade Français in the French Top 14.
In 2020, Pesenti was selected on several occasions by Fabien Galthié for the F ...
Trophée des Bicentenaires
To celebrate the bi-centenaries of the First Fleet and of the French Revolution, in 1988 and 1989 respectively, the French Rugby Union donated the Trophée des Bicentenaires (, "Trophy of the Bicentenaries") to be played in perpetuity between th ...
.
* Australia win a home test-series for the first time since France last toured to Australia in
2014
File:2014 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: Stocking up supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the Western African Ebola virus epidemic; Citizens examining the ruins after the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping; Bundles of wat ...
.
----
----
Notes:
* Matthew Screech (Wales) made his international debut.
*
Matías Moroni
Matías Moroni (born 29 March 1991) is an Argentine professional rugby union player who plays as a centre for Premiership Rugby club Newcastle Falcons and the Argentina national team.
Club career
Moroni played his youth in Los Molinos and th ...
(Argentina) earned his 50th test cap.
* This was Argentina's first win over Wales since their 26–12 victory in 2012, the last time they won in Wales.
* Argentina win a test series for the first time since their 2-0 series win against
Ireland
Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
in
2007
File:2007 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: Steve Jobs unveils Apple's first iPhone; TAM Airlines Flight 3054 overruns a runway and crashes into a gas station, killing almost 200 people; Former Pakistani Prime Minister of Pakistan, Pr ...
.
* Argentina record their biggest winning margin over Wales (22-point difference), surpassing the 18-point difference set in 2006.
* This is the most points Argentina have scored against Wales when away from Argentina.
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24 July
Notes:
* Wyn Jones (British & Irish Lions) was named to start but withdrew ahead of the game due to injury and was replaced by Rory Sutherland -
Mako Vunipola
Mako Vunipola (born 14 January 1991) is a professional rugby union player who plays as a loosehead prop for English club Saracens and the England national team. Born in New Zealand to Tongan parents, he qualified for England through residenc ...
came onto the bench.
*
Tadhg Beirne
Tadhg Gerard Beirne (; born 8 January 1992) is an Irish rugby union player, currently playing for Munster in the United Rugby Championship and the European Rugby Champions Cup. His primary playing position is lock, but can also play in the b ...
Luke Cowan-Dickie
Luke Anthony Cowan-Dickie (born 20 June 1993) is an English professional rugby union player for Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership. He plays primarily as a hooker but can also play prop.
Club career
Cowan-Dickie has previously been dual- ...
,
Robbie Henshaw
Robbie Henshaw (born 12 June 1993) is an Irish rugby union player. He plays primarily as a centre, although he can also play fullback. Henshaw currently plays for Irish provincial team Leinster in the United Rugby Championship, and internatio ...
,
Stuart Hogg
Stuart Hogg (born 24 June 1992) is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership and used to captain the Scottish national team. His playing positions are fullback and fly-half.
Hogg has twice been nam ...
,
Ali Price
Alistair William Price (born 12 May 1993) is a Scotland international rugby union player who plays as a scrum-half for Glasgow Warriors.
Early life and education
Price was born on 12 May 1993 in King's Lynn, Norfolk, England. He was educated ...
Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan van der Merwe (born ) is a South African-born Scottish rugby union player who currently plays for Edinburgh Rugby in the United Rugby Championship.
Schoolboy rugby
Van der Merwe was born and grew up in George in the Western Cape provinc ...
and Hamish Watson all made their Lions test debuts.
*
Handré Pollard
Handré Pollard (born 11 March 1994) is a South African professional rugby union player who currently plays for the South Africa national team and Leicester Tigers in England's Premiership Rugby. His regular playing positions are fly-half, where ...
(South Africa) earned his 50th test cap.
31 July
Notes:
*
Steven Kitshoff
Steven Kitshoff (born 10 February 1992) is a South African rugby union rugby player. His playing position is loosehead prop. He represents the South Africa national team and the in the United Rugby Championship and previously Super Rugby, and ...
(South Africa) earned his 50th test cap.
* Chris Harris (British & Irish Lions) made his Lions test debut.
Dane Coles
Dane or Danes may refer to:
People Pertaining to Denmark
* Dane, somebody from Denmark
* Danes, an ethnic group native to Denmark
* Danes (Germanic tribe)
Other people
* Dane (name), a surname and a given name (and a list of people with the nam ...
(New Zealand) were named as replacements but were injured in the warm-up and were replaced by Patrick Tuipulotu and Samisoni Taukei'aho respectively.
* Aaron Smith became the tenth All Black player to earn his 100th test cap.
----
Notes:
*
Damian de Allende
Damian de Allende (born 25 November 1991) is a South African professional rugby union player who currently plays for the South Africa national team and Japanese club Saitama Wild Knights. His usual position is either centre or wing. He was a ...
Finn Russell
Finn Alastair Russell (born 23 September 1992) is a Scottish professional rugby union player who primarily plays fly-half for Racing 92 in the Top 14. He has also represented Scotland at international level, having made his test debut against t ...
and Sam Simmonds all made their Lions test debuts.
Notes
See also
*
2021 end-of-year rugby union internationals The 2021 end of year rugby union tests, also referred to as the Autumn internationals in the Northern Hemisphere, were rugby union test matches during October and November 2021, mainly involving countries from the Northern Hemisphere hosting those f ...
*
2023 Rugby World Cup qualifying
The qualification process for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France began during the pool stages of the 2019 tournament in Japan, at which the top three teams from each of the four pools qualified automatically for the 2023 event. A further eight ...
*
2021 Rugby Championship
The 2021 Rugby Championship was the ninth edition of the annual southern hemisphere competition, involving Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The Springboks returned to the tournament after a year out in 2020 due to South African ...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mid-Year
2021
File:2021 collage V2.png, From top left, clockwise: the James Webb Space Telescope was launched in 2021; Protesters in Yangon, Myanmar following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, coup d'état; A civil demonstration against the October–November 2021 ...