Kingsholm to stage Churchill Cup rugby in June

Tonga and Italy will be making their debut in the tournament and will join Canada, Russia, USA Eagles and holders England Saxons over a two-week period beginning on June 4 and reaching its climax on June 18 at Worcester Warriors' Sixways Stadium.

With the Rugby World Cup starting in September, the ninth Churchill Cup provides an ideal pre-tournament team warm up opportunity and for a number of players to knock on the selectors door to represent their country in New Zealand.

The full fixture list, including pools and venues, which will include Franklin's Gardens and Kingsholm, are now confirmed as the tournament returns to England from its traditional North American base for the first time since 2007.

Paul Vaughan, the RFU's Business Operations Director and a member of the Churchill Cup Executive, said:

"With no summer tour for England this June, this is a great opportunity to for rugby fans to see six quality international teams on their doorstep. We will work with the host clubs to ensure tickets will be reasonably priced and reflect the quality of rugby on offer across this tournament.

"With England playing Wales at Twickenham in an Investec International on August 6 in preparation for the World Cup, there will be plenty of top class action available to the rugby fan."

2011 Churchill Cup

Pool A

England Saxons

USA

Tonga

Pool B

Canada

Italy A

Russia

Saturday June 4, Northampton Saints

Italy A v Canada

England Saxons v USA

Wednesday June 8, Esher RFC

Tonga v USA

Russia v Canada

Sunday June 12, Gloucester Rugby

Italy A v Russia

England Saxons v Tonga

Saturday June 18, Worcester Warriors

Bowl Final

Plate Final

Cup

Ticket prices and, remember that your ticket is valid for both games, are as follows: