The groundbreaking agreement will see RBS drive fundraising for Sport Relief through its sponsorship of the RBS 6 Nations 2008 - both of which culminate on Sport Relief Weekend Friday 14th - Sunday 16 March 2008.

Fund raising will happen at selected Championship matches and in the build up via city centre events across the UK where rugby stars will be challenging the public to 'Kick for an RBS 6 Nations Ticket'.

Money raised will be spent by Comic Relief to transform lives here in the UK and across the world's poorest countries.

In addition, RBS has signed up four hot young rugby prospects, one from each home nation to drive awareness of Sport Relief activity and the Championship among a younger audience of rugby fans.

The 'RBS Young Guns' - David Strettle (England), James Hook (Wales), Rory Lamont (Scotland) and Andrew Trimble (Ireland) - will support the already existing stable of ex-international rugby stars, Team RBS - who are: Jason Leonard (Eng), Keith Wood (Ire), Ieuan Evans (Wal), Philippe Saint-Andre (Fra), David Sole (Scot) and Alessandro Moscardi (Ita).

Howard Moody, group director, communications, The Royal Bank of Scotland Group said: "Sport Relief is a natural fit with RBS and the RBS 6 Nations makes the perfect vehicle for maximising our fund-raising efforts.

“We look forward to making it happen over the start of the year and using our joint passion for sport to raise money for such a worthy cause."

Michele Settle, marketing director at Sport Relief said: "Sport Relief is all about harnessing the power of sport to change lives for the better, which is why we're delighted to team up with RBS as an official partner for Sport Relief 2008.  

“We're really excited about the plans around the RBS 6 Nations Championship and look forward to rugby fever translating to even more Sport Relief fundraising activity."