PROVIDED it’s handled responsibly there’s nothing which compliments a thrilling game of rugby as much as a pint of beer.

The two have been synonymous with each other for decades and brewers love coming up with names for their brews which reinforce the sporting link.

One such is Fuller’s, which has come up with a clever way of celebrating the return of its popular Front Row ale - which has been re-released to coincide with the Six Nations which began at the weekend. At its Griffin Brewery in Chiswick Lane South, Chiswick, staff from each of the competing Six Nations countries have added a little more spice to the usual brewery banter around the rugby championships.

The six members of the team, gathered from the sales, finance, production and food teams, will be cheering on their nation in the hope of securing a £500 donation from Fuller’s for the charity of their choice.

However, the winner will also be buying the beers, as they have pledged to buy a round of Front Row for the other five when the final round of matches is over.

Front Row, a light ale brewed to 3.7% ABV, has already hit the cellars up and down the borough, with a new pump sign featuring the new referee’s scrum call of “Crouch, Touch, Set”.

The six nations and their reps are:

England – Dave Hannam, Finance & Risk Analyst

Wales – Lowri Williams, Assistant Operations Accountant

Scotland – Michael Campbell-Lamerton, Export Controller

Ireland – Paul Fahy, Quality Projects Leader

France – Vincent Glouton, Executive Chef

Italy – Jarno Crippa, Food Safety Coordinator

Wade Crouch, Fuller’s Head of Marketing, said: “It’s great to see Front Row back again as it has proven to be a firm favourite with fans during the Championships since its launch in 2011. On both occasions the pubs have sold out incredibly quickly so I would recommend getting down to your local Fuller’s pub as soon as you hear it’s available.

“I look forward to hearing the brewery banter between our very own six nations over the next month or so and catching up with them all for that drink at the end. Being Australian, I’m able to stay neutral so can celebrate with whoever wins.”

Following the opening round of matches it’s Mr Hannam, Mr Fahy and Mr Crippa who are smiling after Ireland beat Wales 22-30, England dispatched the Scots 38-18 and Italy pulled off a shock by hitting France 23-18.