The move, which has been widely tipped for some time, will not greatly effect the current set-up with Sean Holley continuing as head coach and Jonathan Humphreys remaining as his assistant.

Ospreys elite performance director Andrew Hore commented on the appointment, “We have considered over 20 coaches with the potential to measure up to a list of firm criteria and believe Scott Johnson contains the right mixture of technical ability – particularly on the attacking side of the game – strong character, excellent communication skills, planning, management ability and innovation to help the Ospreys take the next step forward.”

Many of the 12 clubs in the league think that the extra fixtures could help make them as much as £500,000 extra in revenue, which they believe is needed in the current economic climate.

However, the RFU believe the added game time will put players welfare at jeopardy and increase the chances of them picking up serious injuries.

The Professional Game Board will have the final say on the plans, with the result likely to upset many people however it turns out.

The 26-year-old scrum-half has been in France for two years and will play out the remainder of the season with Perpignan, before starting his career with Glasgow.

He commented, “I believe it’s the right time to come back to Scotland. I’m looking forward to earning a starting place for Glasgow which, in the long run, may also help my international aspirations as we look forward to the Rugby World Cup in 2011.”

Last time around Wales completed a comprehensive Grand Slam and if they can repeat the performance, they will become just the sixth side in the tournament’s history to achieve the feat back-to-back.

Gatland is confident his players can live up to expectations and have every chance of achieving the heights of last year.

“If we have ambitions to be compared with one of the best teams in the world, then we have to deal with the expectation and pressure. Even after the 2005 Grand Slam the team didn’t go into the next campaign as Six Nations favourites, but after the autumn series we had we are going into this championship with that tag.”

O’Driscoll already holds the record for the highest number of Ireland appearances as captain with 52 and Kidney believes this experience could prove vital.

“He has the leadership qualities which are vital at this level and, along with those of the other team leaders in the squad, will be important for the tournament ahead. I am delighted that Brian has yet again agreed to lead the side in this year’s championship.

Delon Armitage, Nick Kennedy and Sale’s Mathew Tait have all been released back to their clubs in the hope they can get some games under their belts before the Six Nations opener.

The rest of the squad remain in Portugal to finish their preparations.

The 26-year-old England man has now been removed from the Six Nations squad, despite the drugs found in his system not being performance-enhancing.

Although Stevens did not openly admit what exact drugs he had taken, he made an emotional statement to Sky Sports yesterday.

“I was tested for a prohibited substance. It is not a performance-enhancing substance. It is a very serious substance and something over a period of time I have realised I have an issue with, something I think has basically ruined my life up until this point.”

“I want to say I truly am very sorry. I want to change my life and hopefully one day get the faith back that people had in me.”

Stevens now faces the possibility of being banned from professional rugby for up to two years if given the maximum sentence.

The back row has made 64 appearances for Saints in his 4 years at the club and believes he has made the right choice in opting to stay.

“It really is a great club with straightforward ambitions. As both a club and as individuals, we want to keep on improving and look to win trophies.”

Jackson has only been a pro since May and has just one Glasgow Warriors appearance to his name this season. However, Scotland head coach Frank Hadden has been impressed with his improvement and believes there are plenty more players like Jackson, who are worthy of representing their country.

“I’m delighted by the number of players who are putting up their hands as genuine candidates for international selection”, Hadden added.

Tom James saw red for Blues after a head-butt on Olivier Azam and despite being 9-3 down at the interval, Blues fought back to claim their spot in the last eight of the competetition.

Afterwards, Young commented, “We’ve built strong foundations. The team play for each other and have a real hard edge. We haven’t achieved anything yet, but if we can go through to the quarter-finals unbeaten, it would be a huge a statement.”