Six appeal of Grand Slam bonus

Six Nations organisers are to reward a Grand Slam triumph by giving that country a greater share of the income generated each season by the most successful tournament outside the World Cup.

A new deal has been agreed which recognises Italy as a full partner in the financial share of the sponsorship, merchandise and television revenue.

A Six Nations statement said:"A total of 75 per cent will be divided equally, with 10 per cent divided according to the number of clubs in each Union, and 15 per cent allocated according to performance.

A Grand Slam, for instance, would be rewarded with 5.5 per cent. Changes include the establishment of a limited liability company to oversee all commercial activity, the strengthening of the committee structure, and, for the first time, the creation of the additional post of Deputy Chairman/Honorary Treasurer, to which position Bill Beaumont of England has been elected."

England have to play France and Ireland on Sundays during next season's Six Nations and will finish with a 6pm kick off against Scotland at Twickenham on 19 March.

England Six Nations schedule - 5 Feb: v Wales (Cardiff, 5.30pm); 13 Feb: v France (Twickenham, 3pm); 27 Feb: v Ireland (Dublin, 3pm); 12 March: v Italy (Twickenham, 4pm); 19 March: v Scotland (Twickenham, 6pm).