Danny Cipriani announced a new era by inspiring England to a deserved RBS 6 Nations victory over Ireland at Twickenham.

Andrea Marcato's last-minute drop goal handed Scotland their fourth defeat in this year's RBS 6 Nations - but Frank Hadden's men avoided a second successive wooden spoon by the skin of their teeth.

Just five months after crashing out of the World Cup, Wales sit on the brink of the RBS 6 Nations title and a second Grand Slam in four seasons.

It was a popular pre-tournament tip to be this season's RBS 6 Nations title decider - but England and Ireland are playing only for pride at Twickenham on Saturday.

Italy and Scotland go head to head in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations wooden-spoon decider in Rome.

England and Leicester flanker Tom Croft admitted to suffering a bout of nerves in the closing minutes of the Tigers' 12-6 Heineken Cup victory over Ospreys at Welford Road.

Saracens continued the English romp through the European Challenge Cup with a clinical 53-3 win over French side Mont de Marsan at Vicarage Road.

Former Wales captain David Pickering has been elected chairman of the RBS 6 Nations.

The RBS 6 Nations fixture schedule 2009 has been announced, with matches taking place between Saturday February 7 and Saturday March 21.

The RBS 6 Nations fixture schedule 2009 has been announced, with matches taking place between Saturday February 7 and Saturday March 21.

Full-back Rory Lamont has been ruled out of Scotland's final RBS 6 Nations clash against Italy after breaking a bone in his face in the victory over England.

Connacht coach Michael Bradley says that the clinical display by his team in the second half of their 30-12 win in Dax is the minimum that they will require when they take on London Irish on Friday.

Brian O'Driscoll is relishing the prospect of playing for the British and Irish Lions in eight months' time despite his bittersweet experience as captain in New Zealand.

Edinburgh coach Andy Robinson has slammed his side - which contained 10 Scotland regulars - for their defensive deficiencies against Leinster in the European Cup.

Scotland centre Graeme Morrison admits his 100th game for Glasgow was overshawowed by the Warriors defeat in the European Cup.

Sale's Welsh centre Lee Thomas will be sidelined until the new year, after suffering a severe and complex dislocation of the shoulder.

Cardiff Blues coach David Young admitted he could not have asked for a better start to the Heineken Cup after his team's 56-20 win away to Calvisano, their biggest ever win in Europe.