England v Italy Tickets now on sale for 2011 Six Nations

Italy will be the first visitors to Twickenham Stadium in the 2011 RBS 6 Nations championship when they take on Martin Johnson’s England on Saturday 12 February.

The ‘Azzurri’ have gone from strength to strength since they joined the Six Nations competition back in 2000 and will be looking to build on an already growing reputation as they prepare for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The current Italian squad boasts some world-class talent, and coach Nick Mallett will be looking to the likes of Leicester Tigers’ Martin Castrogiovanni, Stade Francais’ Sergio Parrise and Mirco Bergamasco of Racing Métro to inspire his side when they face an England team who impressed during the recent Investec Internationals.

Tickets are available from rfu.com/tickets - junior concessions apply. The match provides one of the final opportunities to watch England compete on the international stage ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

England Team Manager Martin Johnson said: “There is always a great deal of expectation surrounding the RBS 6 Nations, and this championship will be no different. The Italians will be a big test for us when they come to Twickenham, and its up to us to make sure we continue the form we showed in the recent Investec Internationals, and rise to that challenge.”