Match programmes sold at the Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship fixture between England and Ireland featured a new cover price of £4 but with some 47,000 sold this was the best sale of the season.

Paul Vaughan, RFU Commercial Director, said “This is the first price increase for the England programme in five years and we have continued to invest in its production and design over that period. In addition to inflation costs, which we have absorbed over the five-year period, we have re-designed a number of features within the programme, notably the team biographies, centre spread team sheet and produced a higher quality front and back cover. The new format was launched during the Investec Challenge three test series last autumn and the feedback we have received has been very positive.