Lloyds TSB continue into their fourth year of association with Six Nations Championship, but tournament organisers refused to be drawn into a debate about a more structured Northern Hemisphere season at the official launch held at the the Hurlingham Club in West London on Tuesday.

There have been recent calls for the Six Nations Championship to be condensed into one block, with the Unions consulting with the Clubs over the scheduling of international fixtures. At present the Six Nations is played over eight weeks, with games being played every other week.

Of prime concern is the welfare of the players as they will be asked to play club games between internationals. The Zurich Premiership and the Welsh/Scottish League have full programmes on the interim weekends when Six Nations games are not being played.

Allan Hosie, Chairman of the Six Nations Committee stated that there would be no alteration to the traditional structure of the tournament.

"At present there will be no change in the schedule. Rugby is foremost about the players and the spectators."

"The players wellbeing and safety are paramount, and there is a dialogue between the Six Nations and European Cup Rugby as well as the domestic Clubs, and everything must be taken into consideration".

Ireland captain Keith Wood, one player who will be asked to turn out between Six Nations games for his club Harlequins identified his country's aim in the competition:

"Our goal is to string a couple of good seasons together. Italy will earmark the Ireland game as one they can win, and we'll look forward to France in Dublin."

"It's has been one of the better matches in recent times and lets hope it is again".

France are set to continue to play their home games at the Stade de France in Paris, despite their excellent record away from the capital, having beating New Zealand in their last international in Marseille.

Captain Fabien Pelous who plays his club rugby in the heartland of the South for Toulouse said: "we will continue to play at the Stade de France, is a magnificent arena and it's up to us to live up to the Stadium".

As for the roof at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, it will be open unless there are extreme weather conditions.

"Should the weather conditions be bad enough, elected representatives from both Unions will discuss the matter and if both agree in will be closed." said Hosie.

The first game in Cardiff is between England and Wales on February 3 and both sides have identified it as a high-octane clash.

For Wales No.8 Scott Quinnell it doesn't come much bigger. "England are in the form of their lives, it's a huge challenge".

"It's the first Wales-England game in Wales for five or six years, and I'm sure Cardiff will provide a big welcome."

Although England secured victories over Australia and South Africa in the Autumn, flanker Richard Hill remains cautious.

"We are confident in our style of play but the autumn counts for nothing. It 's still a massive task to beat Wales at home."

Italy begin their second campaign full of hope after opening up with a well deserved win against Scotland last February.

"We began well last year and hopefully we can go even better this year. We have three home matches which is a great opportunity, our aim is to do better than last year" said captain Allessandro Moscardi.

Scotland who denied England the Grand Slam in their last match last year face a tough programme this term with away games against France and the holders England

Andy Nicol, who picked up the Calcutta Cup that day said: "We aim to start well and finish well. The start is everything and to go to Paris is the biggest start you can get."