Wales to begin 6N defence in London

'Le Crunch' falls on Sunday once again

Wales will open the defence of their RBS Six Nations title next year with a mouth-watering clash against England at Twickenham.

Mike Ruddock's side enjoy three home matches in the 2006 championship - and if Wales are to complete back-to-back Grand Slams they will have to seal it with victory over France at the Millennium Stadium on the final weekend.

The Six Nations committee today unveiled the schedule for the 2006 championship, which begins on February 4 and runs through until March 18.

After England play Wales, Andy Robinson's men face three consecutive away games - against Italy, Scotland and France - before closing their championship at home to Ireland.

The Irish open their campaign at home to Italy, while Scotland host France in the Sunday game.

The final round of matches will all be played on March 18, with England against Ireland providing the championship finale with a 5.30pm kick-off.

The Six Nations committee today also announced it had struck a deal for the Royal Bank of Scotland to continue as the tournament's title sponsor for the next four years.

The agreement, which runs through to the end of the 2009 championship, represents the largest commercial partnership in European rugby history.

RBS took over the title sponsorship in 2003 and their current deal expired at the end of this season's tournament, which was won on Saturday by Wales.

John Feehan, Chief Executive of the Six Nations committee, said: "The excitement of this year's RBS 6 Nations shows what a superb event this is to be associated with.

"RBS has been a hugely supportive sponsor for the championship and rugby as a whole and we are thrilled that they have decided to extend their association a further four years."

RBS Six Nations 2006 schedule:
(All times are GMT)

Week One
Saturday 4 February
Ireland v Italy, 13:30
England v Wales, 15:30
Sunday 5 February
Scotland v France, 15:00

Week Two
Saturday 11 February
France v Ireland, 13:30 (14:30 local)
Italy v England, 16:00 (17:00 local)
Sunday 12 February
Wales v Scotland 15:00

18/19 February - Rest Weekend

Week Three
Saturday 25 February
France v Italy, 14:00 (15:00 local)
Scotland v England, 17:30
Sunday 26 February
Ireland v Wales, 15:00

4/5 March - Rest Weekend

Week Four
Saturday 11 March
Wales v Italy, 13:30
Ireland v Scotland, 15:30
Sunday 12 March
France v England, 15:00 (16:00 local)

Week Five
Saturday 18 March
Italy v Scotland, 13:30 (14:30 local)
Wales v France, 15:30
England v Ireland, 17:30