Seven days in sporting heaven

Whether your guests are hoping to watch rugby or football in your pub, they'll be well catered for over the next seven days.

Over the weekend, there's the second round of rugby union's international Six Nations tournament, and plenty of action from the Premiership, with a total of seven matches to keep the pubs full.

On Wednesday, there's cup football to look forward to, with the return of the UEFA Cup and an FA Cup fourth-round replay featuring two Premiership sides, with a swiftly developing rivalry.

So, to business. England and Wales' rugby union fixtures are back-to-back this Saturday afternoon.

On the face of it, it's the men in the white shirts who appear to have the better chance of winning their match.

Home advantage against Italy, the most recent addition to European rugby's top flight, should see England win their second home game of their campaign. Of course, much will depend on how the revamped side respond under new coach Brian Ashton.

The stern test of a trip away to pre-tournament favourites Ireland follows next weekend. Tune in from 1.00pm on BBC1.

Straight after, Wales are at Murrayfield to face Scotland. The hosts finished ahead of their guests and England last year, in their best placing since 2001.

This match should be a belter. Kick-off is at 3.30pm.

Turning to football, on Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers travel to Germany to play Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie. Five will show the match, which has an early kick-off at 6.15pm.

This timing will mean you can also show the Bolton-Arsenal FA Cup rematch, which follows straight afterwards on BBC1. Kick-off is at 8.00pm.

The Gunners have made it to the Carling Cup final, and will be keen to maintain their challenge for the FA Cup.