New Sponsor For Six Nations.

The Six Nations is to be sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland. The sponsorship, which in the first instance will cover the years 2003, 2004 and 2005, will see the world’s greatest annual rugby tournament renamed:

The Royal Bank of Scotland 6 Nations.

Howard Moody, Group Director of Communications for The Royal Bank of Scotland, said: The Six Nations is a prestigious, world-class event played in front of sell-out crowds and has established itself as the premier annual event in the world of rugby.”

The excitement generated by the annual head-to-head competition between nations is second-to-none and, as a result, it reaches beyond the traditional rugby fan to a wider audience and has become a cultural as well as sporting event. The countries involved map well with our existing businesses in the home countries, Ireland and mainland Europe.

The Championship, which centres around 15 matches played at major stadia in the capital cities of Scotland, England, France, Ireland, Italy and Wales, each year attracts one million spectators and in excess of one hundred million television viewers.

Jacques Laurans, the Chairman of the Six Nations Committee, said, We are delighted that the Championship is to be sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland. As one of the world’s most successful and fastest-growing financial services businesses, it is a perfect partner for the world’s greatest rugby tournament. We look forward to working together and to ensuring that this sponsorship brings great benefit to sponsor and rugby alike.