England to face Pumas at Old Trafford

England will play Argentina at Old Trafford later this year – their first Test match in Manchester since 1997.

The game has been confirmed for Saturday, June 6, with England then facing a second Test in Argentina seven days later at a venue to be confirmed.

England last played at Old Trafford in November 1997, when they lost 25-8 to New Zealand. It was Sir Clive Woodward’s second game as England boss.

The June 6 clash will kick off at 4pm.

Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron said: “We received a request from the Argentinean Rugby Union to play one of the tests in England to generate funds to invest in their squads.

“We are delighted to have been able to help them by securing Old Trafford, one of the most famous football stadiums in the world.

“Rugby Union is thriving in the north west, and this is a great opportunity for us to play a match away from Twickenham and aid the development of the game in the region. We are looking forward to a great occasion.”

Councillor Mike Amesbury, executive member for culture and leisure at Manchester City Council, added: “Manchester is proud to be hosting an England international, the first to have been staged outside of the capital for more than a decade.

“This yet again reinforces our position as a world-class destination for sport.

“This opportunity has allowed us to strengthen our links with the RFU, with whom we’re already working with, to develop the sport across the city.”

And Manchester United chief executive David Gill said: “We are delighted that Old Trafford has been chosen to host this international fixture.

“It underlines the stadium as one of the premier venues in world sport, and we look forward to welcoming both teams to the Theatre of Dreams.”