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SIX NATIONS RUGBY 2009

WALES Ireland and France will jet into Rome for the 2009 Rugby Six Nations tournament as Italy prepare to play the majority of their games on home soil.

The Azzurri will want to improve on their wooden spoon finish last year which saw them beat only the Scots 23-20, with a drop kick in the final minute. The Italians played only two of their games at home last year at the Stadio Flaminio, Rome, but this year will see them take to the ground three times. The first home game sees the mighty Irish travel to the capital on Sunday February 15th, while reigning six-nations champions Wales arrive on Saturday March 14th. And the Azzurri’s final game will see them take on France on Saturday March 21st.

The Italians have a lot to prove after last year’s show which failed to match the success of the squad in 2007 - their best ever finish in fourth position. In 2007 they beat Wales and Scotland, finishing just two points behind former World Champions, England.

England also have a lot to prove, having failed to win the World Cup in 2007 and not having won the Six Nations since 2003. The Irish, meanwhile, could be among the tournament’s favourites, and maintain a ruthless record against Italy. Scotland will be looking to improve on a miserable last few years in the tournament while Wales will be looking for another surprise tournament victory.

Since the millennium, the tournament has never been so unpredictable with different winners almost every year. Rome has also taken to the rugby festivities, welcoming fans from all nations with open arms. Although Rugby isn’t as popular in Italy as football, more and more Italians are beginning to watch the Azzurri having become disillusioned with soccer following various scandals, riots, and even deaths. They see Rugby as a more peaceful, sportingly played game, where fans from both sides are more respectful towards each other. The Italian police also recently said that football fans could learn a lot from Rugby fans regarding behaviour.

The games in the capital

Sunday February 15th 15:30 Italy vs Ireland Saturday March 14th 16:00 Italy vs Wales Saturday March 21st 14.15 Italy vs France

Ticket help

We can help you to buy tickets directly here in Italy. This way, there is no hassle and you can find your match tickets upon arrival here at Des Artistes! We will post ticket prices as soon as they become available.

The Flaminio Stadium

The stadium can be easily reached by public transport from Hotel Des Artistes.

-Take Metro Line A from Termini Station for 4 stops and get off at "Flaminio" station.
-From there, it's a ten minute walk, or you can take the 225 tram (direction Stadio Flaminio).
-Get off at the 4th stop for the south side of the stadium and at the 5th stop for the north side of the stadium.

The stadium can easily be reached by public transport from Hotel Des Artistes. Just take Metro Line A from Termini Station for 4 stops and get off at "Flaminio" station. From there, it's a ten minute walk, or you can take tram 225 (direction Stadio Flaminio). Get off at the 4th stop for the south side of the stadium and at the 5th stop for the north side of the stadium.

Accommodation

Guests that come to see the Six Nations Rugby matches enjoy a special welcome here at Des Artistes. If you are staying 7 nights or more, you receive a FREE public transport pass, on top of our discount for long stays!

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