2011 is Rugby heaven

O2 is packed with rugby fanatics and we know plenty of you are just as obsessed as us. Kicking off with the RBS Six Nations this weekend, there's a packed calendar of events to choose from right across the year. Read on to find our pick of the best.

We’ve picked out the five most important dates for your diary. Whatever the other half/boss says these are the days you'll be sat squarely in front of the telly or, with any luck, in a stadium full of other fans to watch some great rugby. 

RBS Six Nations 

4 February 2011 Wales vs England  

England and Wales' first clash in this year's Six Nations will be an unmissable match in what is gearing up to be a really thrilling Six Nations programme. England stole Wales’ thunder last year, but can they kick off this year’s campaign in similar style? 

19 March 2011 Ireland vs England 

Ireland and England's battle will be the final game for both teams in this year’s Six Nations. Like previous years, this could make for a real nail-biter depending on how the rest of the tournament shakes down. Ireland may have won this clash last time out, but will the boys in white let it happen again?

Rugby World Cup 

10 September Argentina vs England, Christchurch, New Zealand 

England's first match of the World Cup will set the tone for the rest of the tournament and Argentina are sure to put up serious opposition. These two sides haven’t met in a World Cup since 1995, when England snatched a win with 25-18.  

23 September Rugby World Cup final 

Fingers crossed we'll see one of the home nations in the final but either way, the World Cup final will be an unmissable event and one it's worth blocking the day off for. Enjoy some beers, the build up and the inevitable bone-crushing battle on the pitch. 

The future of rugby 

Date TBC, December 2011 Oxford vs Cambridge Varsity Match at Twickenham 

After watching the present rugby stars clash throughout the year, take some time to watch up-and-coming talent take to the field in one of the most keenly fought matches of the year. Will the dark blues or the light blues triumph? 

Let us know: what rugby events are you most looking forward to this year? Are you headed to the Six Nations or the World Cup? We'd love to hear what you're up to. 

Image by imuttoo