Italy will play Chile, who have just qualified for the 2027 World Cup, rather than Samoa, as part of their November Test schedule.
This decision “following a request by Samoa, reflects the evolving priorities for both Chile and Samoa as they navigate their respective pathways towards RWC 2027 qualification,” the FIR said.
Chile booked their ticket to the World Cup in Australia last month following a two-leg playoff victory against Samoa.
MORE: Chile stamp ticket to 2027 RWC
That left Samoa facing a 2027 World Cup final qualification tournament in Dubai from 8-18 November – which coincides with the November Tests.
Gonzalo Quesada’s Italy will host Australia on 8 November in Udine, South Africa a week later in Turin, followed by Chile on 22 November in Genoa.
The fixture will mark an historic first Test between Italy and Chile.
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