THE English FA have confirmed they see the five nations’ tournament being discussed for 2013 despite the association’s new sponsors pressing for a more regular event.

Speaking yesterday at the launch of their new deal with Vauxhall, the organisation’s general secretary, Alex Horne, remarked that: “We’re talking to the home nations about a possible one-off round of matches with them. I think we’d be talking about a series of one-off matches in 2013 to mark our 150th anniversary.”

Privately, however, it is believed the English have not ruled out the idea of participation in some subsequent years but they do not see themselves as providing the driving force required for the event and are reluctant to commit in advance.

The idea is likely to be pursued by the other associations, however. With the possibility of even semi regular games against England in years without major championship finals providing an attractive financial carrot for the Welsh, Scots and two Irish associations.