The England women's national rugby union team will make history during this year's RBS Six Nations Championship when they make their debut at Twickenham Stadium.

They will play either France on February 15 or Spain on March 9 before England's men face France and Italy on the same dates.

Graeme Cattermole, chairman of the Rugby Football Union management board, said: "The opportunity for the women to play at Twickenham has been on the agenda for some time and we will provide them with as much help as possible before and during the event."

Carol Isherwood, the women's rugby performance director, said "Playing at Twickenham will be a fantastic occasion and I'm thrilled for the players who have worked so hard and deserve this recognition.

Paul Vaughan, the RFU's commercial director, said: "We are looking at the England women's team playing one international a season at Twickenham."

He added that their remaining games would take place at NEC Harlequins stadium, The Stoop.

l For more rugby see pages 60 and 61.

January 31, 2003 11:31