BBC make England-France the last match

The Six Nations are set to bend to the will of BBC Television, and press ahead with a controversial change to their fixtures, with England and France meeting on the final weekend of the next two championships.

Since paying a reported £70m to regain sole broadcasters' rights to the championship, the BBC have instituted Saturday evening kick-offs and more Sunday matches. Their mutual agreement that the Anglo-French match-up is the most likely title decider has prompted the Six Nations Committee to rip up a 10-year rota of fixtures put in place when Italy joined the party in 2000. "The Six Nations have offered us France v England for the next two years and we are happy with that," said a BBC spokesperson.

The move will cause further consternation to traditionalists upset at the shortening of the championship from 10 to seven weeks, and who point to the impending Ireland v England showdown in Dublin as proof that the destiny of the title is rarely in the hands of only two teams. "There will be those who make a case for leaving things as they are," said John Davies, the Six Nations operations manager. "But the BBC have a very strong position. They've been keen to ensure wherever possible that the tournament reaches a suitable climax."

England were due to finish the 2004 championship against Wales, and in 2005 against Scotland. Barring a last-minute change of heart, the fixtures will be confirmed within a fortnight. "We're anxious to announce the fixtures for the next two seasons," said Davies, "so that supporters can make their plans." Bill Beaumont, an England representative on the Six Nations Committee admitted: "It's ironic that everyone said the current championship would be over on the first weekend."

The seven-week format is to remain until at least 2005, although Ireland's coach Eddie O'Sullivan and injured captain Keith Wood have protested that it leaves players with insufficient recovery time between matches.