The roof of Cardiff's magnificent Millennium Stadium could close during this year's Six Nations Championship if both sides agree to shut out any adverse weather.

Tournament chairman Allan Hosie, speaking at the officail launch of this year's Championsip, confirmed that an agreement had been reached where the roof of the Cardiff venue would be closed during `extreme' weather conditions, providing both sides agree.

Last year, the Six Nations committee refused to sanction any closure because the system was not available at the other five grounds.

"In extreme, adverse weather conditions, a sensible decision has to be taken," said Hosie. "It is up to the respective teams involved and there has to be agreement between them."

Hosie also took the opportunity to deflect questions surrounding the whole structure of the competition and its place in the fixture calendar.

Prominent voices within the game, including Scotland coach Ian McGeechan, have called for the matches to be condensed into a six-week format, rather than the current system which sees matches played every fortnight.

English clubs are growing increasingly concerned at their inability to run a string of fixtures together which will entice supporters through the turnstiles.

"We have set up a working party to examine the competition and the players' interests will obviously be considered very seriously," said Hosie.

"But there are other factors to take into account as well, such as the commercial side which directly benefits the grass roots of the game and spectators.

"We have a broadcasting deal in place until 2002, so there will be no changes until after that anyway.

"But we must have considered the tournament structure before we enter into new negotiations, so once this season's competition is over, hopefully we can make some more ground on the issue."