Europe’s showpiece rugby union tournament kicks off on Saturday when England host Italy.

England name Andy Goode at fly-half for their Six Nations opener against Italy on Saturday.

Plans to extend the Guinness Premiership by six rounds of matches from next season are strongly opposed by the Rugby Football Union.

Martin Johnson says England will have to put their disastrous autumn campaign behind them if they are end their long wait for an RBS Six Nations title.

England’s Six Nations preparations are dealt a further blow with Leicester flanker Lewis Moody out for up to three months with a broken ankle.

England call up veteran Leicester prop Julian White to replace Bath’s Matt Stevens in their elite squad.

Bath say they feel “let down” by Matt Stevens after his public admission that he failed a drugs test.

England and Bath prop Matt Stevens fails a drug test and is suspended from all competition.

Uncapped Ben Foden is included in England’s elite squad for the RBS Six Nations as Mike Tindall, Mark Cueto and Olly Morgan win recalls.

Danny Cipriani shines as Wasps overcome Harlequins in Sunday’s Premiership clash at Adams Park.