WALES will open their RBS Six Nations 2005 campaign with a home match against reigning world champions England at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, February 5.

As with the sell-out game against England two years ago, the kick-off is once again at 5.30pm.

Wales' other home game in the championship, against Triple Crown holders Ireland, will bring the Welsh campaign to a climax in Cardiff on Saturday, March 19, kick-off 3.30pm.

"It is a great fixture schedule for Wales and we have a fantastic opening fixture," said Wales Rugby Union chief executive David Moffett.

"We will be looking forward to taking on the world champions at the Millennium Stadium and the closing game against the Triple Crown holders will also be something special.

"We also have a rest weekend following away trips to Italy and France which have landed nicely.

"And the WRU greatly appreciates the assistance given by the Six Nations committee in resolving early difficulties with scheduling at the Millennium Stadium."

The Millennium Stadium, which hosts the FA Cup final in three weeks' time, sees the RBS Six Nations Championship matches as key events in its illustrious sporting calendar.

"The games against England and Ireland will be among the biggest events of the year at the Millennium Stadium and we have already contacted all our partners on the Stadium Advisory Group to ensure that every aspect of the occasion is considered," added Millennium Stadium general manager Paul Sergeant.

"We have opened talks with Arriva Trains Wales and Great Western Trains to try to streamline travel arrangements for our customers and, with 10 months to go to the first big day, we are confident of hosting two more great events in the Welsh capital to everyone's satisfaction."

The championship will open with title-holders France playing host to Scotland in the Stade de France, with Wales taking on England later on the same day.

The following day Italy host Ireland to complete the first round of matches.

The 2005 championship will conclude on March 19 when all six teams compete in another `Super Saturday'.

The final match of the tournament will be at Twickenham, where England will take on Scotland.

The six countries have also agreed a new constitution which will form the future framework of the championship.

The constitution replaces both the 1996 Regulations of the Five Nations Committee and the Five Nations Accord of the same year and for the first time formally recognises the involvement of Italy in the tournament, and provides for a new structure for the pooling and sharing of income.

Among the changes include the appointment for the first time of a deputy chairman/honorary treasurer, with former England captain Bill Beaumont the first to take up the post.

RBS 6 Nations Championship 2005 fixtures

(all times GMT)

Saturday, February 5 : France v Scotland 1400, Wales v England 1730

Sunday, February 6: Italy v Ireland 1430

Saturday, February 12: Italy v Wales 1330, Scotland v Ireland 1600

Sunday, February 13: England v France 1500

Saturday, February 26: Scotland v Italy 1400, France v Wales 1600

Sunday, February 27: Ireland v England 1500

Saturday, March 12: Ireland v France 1330, England v Italy 1600

Sunday, March 13: Scotland v Wales 1500

Saturday, March 19: Italy v France 1300, Wales v Ireland 1530, England v Scotland 1800 Tweet