Sky to broadcast England V France clash

Sky were the host broadcasters for the Women's Rugby World Cup and they confirmed this week that they will screen England's clash with France on February 27th, in next year's 6 Nations.

The match, for which coverage starts at 1pm, will pit last year's 6 Nations Grand Slam winners England against the side who ran them closest in the 2009 competition.

England travelled to France in the last game of last year's competition needing a win to secure the Grand Slam but were pushed all the way by a dogged home side. England won the game by a single point on an11-10scoreline.

Since then, the English side were World Cup runners up, while France finished fourth after a mixed campaign.

The clash is part of a "Super Sunday" of international rugby at Sixways, Worcester. The senior women's team will join their under 20s counterparts, men and women, in taking on France in a triple billing of international rugby.

England will also host Italy and Scotland next year with the latter being held at Twickenham. Sky Sports are also thought to be interested in showing the Scottish game. The BBC has yet to confirm if it will show any highlights - as it did for the World Cup - and we understand that any decision on coverage on the national broadcaster would be made closer to the competition.

The live game is a boost for the women's 6 Nations which recieves sporadic television coverage and Sky have already begun promoting the coverage on their channels.