Ireland ended a 61-year wait for Grand Slam glory and landed their first RBS 6 Nations title after dethroning Wales 17-15 at the Millennium Stadium in dramatic fashion.

Saracens will play their Guinness Premiership clash against Northampton on September 12 at Wembley.

The Six Nations Council and The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) have agreed a four-year extension to continue RBS's title sponsorship of the RBS 6 Nations. The sponsorship extension, which was agreed in May 2008, means RBS will be title sponsor of the Championship up to and including the 2013 Championship.

The Six Nations Council and The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) have agreed a four-year extension to continue RBS's title sponsorship of the RBS 6 Nations. The sponsorship extension, which was agreed in May 2008, means RBS will be title sponsor of the Championship up to and including the 2013 Championship.

Brian McLaughlin will take charge of Ulster for the first time, against Newcastle Falcons in a pre-season friendly at Ravenhill.

Edinburgh full-back Steve Jones is relishing the prospect of facing former club Newcastle Falcons in a pre-season friendly.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts has been given a boost after it was revealed his wrist injury is not as bad as first feared.