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.

Andrea Marcato's last-minute drop goal handed Scotland their fourth defeat in this year's RBS 6 Nations - but Frank Hadden's men avoided a second successive wooden spoon by the skin of their teeth.

France scored three tries to sink Latin rivals Italy in Paris and keep the RBS 6 Nations Championship title race alive going into the final weekend.

Full-back Rory Lamont has been ruled out of Scotland's final RBS 6 Nations clash against Italy after breaking a bone in his face in the victory over England.

Wales produced an emphatic second-half performance to keep their RBS 6 Nations title campaign on track.

England got their RBS 6 Nations campaign back on track after they ultimately subdued Italian resistance at Stadio Flaminio.

Ireland made a hesitant start to the RBS 6 Nations with an unconvincing victory over Italy which failed to dispel lingering memories of their abysmal World Cup.

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

Referee Chris White blew for full-time, sparking wild celebrations among the Italians but complaints from the Wales players.

Italy claimed their first victory away from home in the RBS 6 Nations Championship when they stunned Scotland at Murrayfield.

Jonny Wilkinson delivered another record-breaking performance at Twickenham - but England laboured to a painful RBS 6 Nations victory over annual wooden spoon favourites Italy.