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When do the Summer Tests start and how can you watch them on Sky Sports?

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 29:  Eddie Jones, Coach of England looks on during an International Friendly match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on
Image: Eddie Jones' unbeaten record as England head coach will face a stern test in his native Australia

International rugby is back and over the course of the next three weeks, the Northern Hemisphere will take on the might of the Southern Hemisphere in the 2016 Summer Tours.

The International action starts with England Saxons playing the first of two Tests against South Africa A on Friday, live on Sky Sports 3 HD from 5.30pm.

All four home nations face tough tours, with Wales meeting the current world champions New Zealand, England taking part in a three-Test series in Australia, Ireland taking on South Africa and Scotland facing Japan.

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After the success of the Southern Hemisphere sides in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the touring parties will be eager to make their mark over the coming weeks and all know the opportunity that the first Test presents to them. 

Summer Tour - Opening Tests

Friday
South Africa A v England 5.30pm, Sky Sports 3 HD
Saturday
New Zealand v Wales 8am, Sky Sports 1 HD
Australia v England 10.30am, Sky Sports 1 HD
South Africa v Ireland 3.30pm, Sky Sports 1 HD

How can you watch the Summer Tests on Sky Sports?

On Saturday, the opening Tests commence with back-to-back morning fixtures live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

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Wales' maiden outing against New Zealand at Eden Park kick-starts the day from 8am, followed by Australia against England in Brisbane from 10.30am.

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After a short break, the International action will return with South Africa v Ireland live from 3.30pm.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12:  Sam Warburton of Wales offlodas during the RBS Six Nations match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on March 12,
Image: Sam Warburton: Three-test series in New Zealand represents "an amazing opportunity"

Non-subscribers, meanwhile, will be able to watch the test matches on NOW TV  from £6.99, no contract required. 

And finally, our digital platforms - including skysports.com and the smartphone app - will have all of the news and insights from the Summer Tours both before and after the games, with all the action covered in our live blog. 

Live International Rugby Union

Watch South Africa A v England Saxons on Friday on Sky Sports 3 HD from 5.30pm. 

Watch the opening Summer Tests live on Saturday on Sky Sports 1 HD from 8am - or watch the matches without a contract for £6.99 on NOW TV. 

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