Rome - Stadio Flaminio (Capacity: 24,973)

The Five Nations became the Six Nations in February 2000. In the 10 Six Nations games played at the Stadio Flaminio since then, Italy have triumphed only twice, against Scotland in 2000 and Wales last year. Although the capacity of the stadium is small compared to other Six Nations grounds, the Stadio Flaminio is renowned for its atmosphere. It's biggest draw, however, is that it is in the wonderful city of Rome.

The Five Nations became the Six Nations in February 2000. In the 10 Six Nations games played at the Stadio Flaminio since then, Italy have triumphed only twice, against Scotland in 2000 and Wales last year. Although the capacity of the stadium is small compared to other Six Nations grounds, the Stadio Flaminio is renowned for its atmosphere. It's biggest draw, however, is that it is in the wonderful city of Rome.

Website: www.federugby.it

HOW TO GET THERE

The stadium is located 3km north-west of Rome's city centre and 300m from the Parco di Villa Glori. International flights to Rome arrive at Fiumicino (Leonardo Da Vinci airport), to the north of the city, or Ciampino to the south. From central Rome, you can take either the Metro or the Tram Leggero (No 225). The Metro runs from the central Termini railway station to Flaminio station, a few yards from the stadium - the ride takes just a few minutes. The Tram Leggero (light train) also runs to Flaminio.

WHERE TO STAY

Make sure you reserve your room well in advance. The www.venere.com booking service offers many hotels in all price ranges.

Della Lunetta (Piazza del Paradiso 68, Tel: 06 686 1080, Fax: 06 689 2028) Rates: Single (without bath) €55 (£38)/Single (with bath) €65/Double €110. Functional rooms. Breakfast is not served but the area is full of bars for a cappuccino and some cornetti (pastries, not ice cream).

Smeraldo (Vicolo dei Chiodaroli 9, Tel: 06 687 5929, www.hotelsmeraldoroma.com) Single €70-90/Double €90-120. Breakfast €7.

Very well located in the Campo de'Fiori.

Britania (Via Napoli, Tel: 06 687 9446) Rates from €83. Conveniently located near the Termini station.

Fawlty Towers (Via Magenta, Tel: 06 445 0374, www.fawltytowers.org) Budget. Single €51/Double €67. This popular 15 room hotel is close to Termini station. Book well in advance.

WHERE TO EAT

Antico Arco (Piazzale Aurelio 7, Tel: 06 581 5274) Excellent value for money at this relaxed Italian restaurant on the Gianicolo hill.

Al Presidente (Via Arcione 94-5, Tel: 06 679 7342). One of the few reliable restaurants in the "menu turistico" Fontana di Trevi area.

Uno e Bino (Via degli Equi 58, East, Tel: 06 446 0702) Well reknowned for providing some of Rome's best value gourmet dinners.

WHERE TO DRINK

Mad Jack's (Via Arenula 20, Tel: 06 6880 8223) A classic Irish pub in a very central location. Popular as it is open through the day, every day. If you haven't been able to secure yourself a ticket for the match, head here for the next best match-day atmosphere.

Da Vezio (Via dei Delfini 23, Tel: 06 678 6036) Communist memorabilia adorns this bar, situated behind the former Communist party HQ.

Artu (Largo MD Fumasoni Biondi 5, Tel: 06 588 0398) This friendly place hovers somewhere between an Italian bar and an English-style pub. It has a good selection of high quality brews and "pub" fare - making it a handy spot for a nibble.

Alexanderplatz (Via Ostia 9, Tel: 06 39742171) If you are after live jazz, this is the place to go in Rome.

Paul Schoonenberg