Prime Minister Tony Blair and Culture Secretary Chris Smith have also said that they are pleased Sir Christopher is able to stay on for a few months.

BBC: chairman to step down

Chris Adcock and Robert Blair began the comeback with a straightforward 21-16 21-16 victory over Carsten Mogensen and Mathias Boe.

BBC: England sixth after loss to Danes

That was about as good as it got, although Chris Paterson and substitute David Blair both scored drop goals.

BBC: Edinburgh 16-3 Cardiff Blues

St James's Palace has dismissed any suggestion of a "snub" towards Mr Blair and Mr Brown, but shadow justice minister Chris Bryant said he was unhappy with their exclusion.

BBC: Tony Blair and Gordon Brown royal wedding 'snub' row

Chris Cusiter continues as skipper with co-captain Mike Blair injured.

BBC: MacDonald to make Scotland debut

Chris Paterson, Nick De Luca, Phil Godman, Ross Ford and Jim Hamilton join Blair in directly returning from Six Nations duty with the national side.

BBC: Edinburgh v Connacht (Fri)

Keatley landed his second penalty to reduce the deficit at the start of the second period, before fine defensive work from Gavin Duffy denied Chris Czekaj a try after a break-out from his own half, sparked by Blair.

BBC: Magners League: Blues 22-6 Connacht