The opening match of this year's RBS 6 Nations on 6th February sees England taking on Wales in Twickenham Stadium's Centenary Match marking 100 years since the two nations' first encounter at the famous stadium. In recognition of this landmark occasion the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has put together a wide range of pre-match and half time entertainment that reflects the rich history of the stadium and the match but which also has contemporary relevance. The occasion will also include events to recognise the support of the local community, the achievements of the grassroots game and confirm the Union's strong historic ties with the military.

The centrepiece of the pre-match show will be the singing of Jerusalem and the National Anthem by over 300 members of massed choirs laid out in a huge human St. George Cross with choristers drawn from local schools and amateur choirs and the London Community Gospel Choir backed by the Royal Artillery Band. Prior to this the local schools' choirs and amateur choirs will perform pre-match on the North, East and South concourses and the military band will perform a marching display on the pitch before kick-off before they all join together on the pitch.

The Royal Artillery Band has become the 'Official Military Band of the England Rugby Team' for the Centenary year. In addition to supporting the combined musical display, they will do a marching parade around the pitch and will be performing songs that were played at the match 100 years ago, and 100 members of the Military will be involved in revealing the 4 corners of the flag.

The London Community Gospel Choir is also in the process of recording its own version of Swing Low Sweet Chariot which will be performed in the choir's own unique style prior to kick off of the match. The London Community Gospel Choir was founded in 1982 and is largely recognised as the pioneer of Gospel music in the UK. The choir will add a very different look and feel to the traditional pre-match entertainment expected at the England RBS 6 Nations Championship matches. On this occasion the choir will perform traditional arrangements of the songs chosen in order for the military band and amateur choirs to accompany them.

In addition, eleven players from England's 1960 Grand Slam winning side will be walking round the pitch at half time. The Centenary Ambassadors; Rob Andrew, Bill Beaumont, Lawrence Dallaglio, Alastair Hignell and Dickie Jeeps and the RFU President, John Owen, will present plaques to Club Presidents from eight of the RFU's grassroots clubs* who are all celebrating their own Centenary Year.

As part of the pre match entertainment the RFU party will celebrate the bravery of injured service personnel by including in the guard of honour eight members of the armed forces from Headley Court and Selly Oak, two of the rehabilitation centres, all of whom were injured in recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq and who have overcome huge personal, physical and mental obstacles to be there on the day.

John Owen, President of the RFU, commented, "The Centenary Game is more than just a game of rugby and Twickenham is more than just a stadium. Over the last 100 years it has become part of the fabric of England and of the local community and a focal point of celebration for the game of rugby in the country and around the world. We wanted to put on a show that would reflect all of that history and which allowed our community partners to be a part of it. At the same time, we have been closely linked with the military for most of those 100 years, including acting as an ammunition depot in the Second World War so the day will also allow us to recognise the fantastic work that our armed forces do every day in some of the most dangerous parts of the world. It will be a day rich with tradition."

Entertainment pitchside on the day begins at 3.30pm and are being managed by the RFU commercial team and delivered by event360.

* Bancroft RFC; Bourneville RFC; Oxford RFC; Huddersfield RUFC; Old Emanuel RFC; Broad Plain RFC; Nottingham Trent University RFC; Nuneaton Old Edwardians RFC.

As previously announced, during the game the England team will be playing in a limited edition, traditional look, jersey made by Nike using the last technology. In keeping with that traditional look and feel, England Rugby sponsors O2 have temporarily relinquished their core branding to support Twickenham's centenary celebration and discreet O2 branding will appear on the shirt sleeve rather than the jersey front.

About the RFU The Rugby Football Union is the National Governing Body for rugby union in England and supports participants and fans from the grassroots to the national team.

About event360 event360, specialists in sports entertainment, are delighted to be working alongside the RFU to provide the ceremonies on this historic occasion. For further details visit www.event360.co.uk