The maul's place at the heart of rugby union is set to be preserved following a meeting of nearly 60 senior rugby stakeholders.

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.

Former France flanker Serge Betsen has revealed he will leave Biarritz at the end of the season to join English side Wasps.

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.

RBS have announced that they have become an official partner with Sport Relief 2008.

Following Sunday`s 9-6 victory over Biarritz Glasgow Warriors coach Sean Lineen wants hordes of supporters to come to their following games.

A valiant Cardiff effort in rain-soaked Paris harvested just a defensive bonus point as Stade Francais won a battle of attrition in Heineken Cup Pool 3 on Sunday.

Glasgow survived a late Biarritz blitz to boost their quest to reach the Heineken Cup knockout stage with a famous 9-6 triumph over their French visitors.

Sean Lineen has urged Glasgow supporters to play their part in setting the scene for a famous Heineken Cup victory on Sunday.

Lawrence Dallaglio was left disappointed as Wasps crashed to a 37-27 Heineken Cup defeat to Clermont Auvergne in France.

Glasgow Warriors skipper Alastair Kellock has been ruled out of the European Cup clash against Biarritz.

Alex King has pledged there will not be any divided loyalties when he tries to dent the Heineken Cup hopes of European champions Wasps.

Ben Cohen has no problem fighting for his place in the Brive side after joining former Northampton and England team-mate Steve Thompson in France.

Argentina will not be admitted into the RBS 6 Nations after being told by the International Rugby Board their future lies in the southern hemisphere.