England will launch their 2008 RBS 6 Nations campaign with a Twickenham appointment against Wales.

Wales, who have not won at English rugby headquarters since 1988, beat England in the final game of this season’s tournament, winning 27-18 at the Millennium Stadium 12 days ago.

England, who last landed the Six Nations title in 2003, then face successive away games against Italy, France and Scotland before completing their schedule when Ireland visit Twickenham on March 15.

Ireland, seeking a hat-trick of Triple Crowns next term, start at home to Italy on February 2, but then tackle holders France in Paris seven days later.

As in this season’s tournament, there are two so-called ‘Super Saturdays’, with three games being played on February 23 and March 15.

The format was criticised by Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan after his team saw their title hopes dashed by a late France try against Scotland on the tournament’s final day this season.

Ireland and France went into the last weekend level on points, but Ireland kicked off in Rome two hours before the French tackled Scotland, handing them what O’Sullivan perceived to be an unfair advantage.

Six Nations chairman Jacques Laurans said: "The dust has barely settled on one of the most exciting tournaments in recent history, yet we can now look forward in detail to the challenges of next year.

"Events have shown once again that this championship is incapable of prediction, and is a thoroughly competitive event from start to finish.

"Moreover, the fact that so many teams began their final games with a chance of winning outright augurs well for our nations’ prospects in the Rugby World Cup later this year."

2008 RBS 6 Nations dates (kick-offs, UK time):
Saturday, February 2 - Ireland v Italy (2pm), England v Wales (4.30pm); Sunday, February 3 - Scotland v France (3pm).
Saturday, February 9 - Wales v Scotland (2pm), France v Ireland (4pm); Sunday, February 10 - Italy v England (2.30pm).
Saturday, February 23 - Wales v Italy (3pm), Ireland v Scotland (5pm), France v England (8pm).
Saturday, March 8 - Ireland v Wales (1.15pm), Scotland v England (3.15pm); Sunday, March 9 - France v Italy (3pm).
Saturday, March 15 - Italy v Scotland (1pm), England v Ireland (3pm), Wales v France (5pm).