The Six Nations championship is to be sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, it was announced today.
The sponsorship deal, which will initially cover the years 2003 to 2005, will see the annual tournament renamed 'The Royal Bank of Scotland Six Nations'.
The bank succeed Lloyds TSB as title sponsors of the championships.
Jacques Laurans, chairman of the Six Nations committee, said: "We are delighted that the championship is to be sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland.
"As one of the world's most successful and fastest-growing financial services businesses, it is a perfect partner for the world's greatest rugby tournament.
"We look forward to working together and to ensuring that this sponsorship brings great benefit to sponsor and rugby alike."
Howard Moody, communications group director for the bank, said: "The Six Nations is a prestigious, world-class event played in front of sell-out crowds and has established itself as the premier annual event in the world of rugby.
"The excitement generated by the annual head-to-head competition between nations is second to none and, as a result, it reaches beyond the traditional rugby fan to a wider audience and has become a cultural as well as sporting event.
"The countries involved map well with our existing businesses in the home countries, Ireland and mainland Europe."