France are to introduce measures restricting the number of foreign players at clubs in the country's top two leagues to 30% by the start of the 2011 season and also bring in a salary cap.

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

France bounced back from their Twickenham drubbing in emphatic style as a seven-try romp at the Stadio Flaminio condemned sorry Italy to a 50-8 defeat and the wooden spoon and a fourth RBS 6 Nations whitewash.

England romped to their most emphatic victory over France since the glory days of 2003 as Martin Johnson's under-fire side enjoyed a staggering return to form at Twickenham.

Wales suffered their first RBS 6 Nations defeat for almost two years as hopes of first back-to-back Grand Slams since 1909 floundered at Stade de France.

Scotland slipped to their second RBS 6 Nations defeat in seven days as France kickstarted their campaign with an unconvincing 22-13 win in Paris.

Ireland edged an enthralling RBS 6 Nations clash at Croke Park to claim a rare 30-21 victory over France that underlines their status as genuine title contenders.

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.

Wales won their second Grand Slam and RBS 6 Nations title in four seasons after record-breaker Shane Williams struck gold at the Millennium Stadium.