Freeman, freedom and free-flowing rugby
One hundred years ago, the old cabbage patch in Twickenham staged its first rugby international as England beat Wales by 11-5.
Ten years this week, Italy joined the Five Nations to make it Six and celebrated with a victory over Scotland.
And, perhaps slightly more importantly, 20 years ago this week Nelson Mandela took the long walk to freedom from Victor Verster prison after 27 years in captivity.
Three facts. And here's a fourth. All these events will form a part of BBC TV's opening to the RBS 6 Nations, which gets under way this Saturday on BBC1 at 1340 GMT.
The connection with Mandela is the UK release of 'Invictus'. The film, directed by Clint Eastwood, tells the story of Mandela's attempt to use South Africa's World Cup campaign in 1995 as a major step in the reconciliation of black and white South Africans.
And to our delight, Morgan Freeman, who plays Mandela in the movie, has read the poem 'Invictus', which inspires the film's title, exclusively for the BBC and sent a good luck message to all the Six Nations teams.
But you don't have to wait until Saturday to see this. Check it out below, it's an epic moment.
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Also in Saturday's programme, Matt Dawson meets Matt Damon and the man he plays in the film, former Springboks captain Francois Pienaar, to compare the relative size of the two and hear what happened when Hollywood went a ruckin' and a maulin'.
So to the championship itself which promises to be as open and unpredictable as ever. Yes, I know, I've said the same thing for the past few years, but it's another fact. Well, actually it's not, technically, but you know what I mean.
Ireland open with a home match at Croke Park against Italy, who haven't beaten the Irish since joining the annual jamboree in 2000. Before that game, we'll hear from Brian O'Driscoll, who has scored more Six Nations tries than any other player, and of course led his country to their first Grand Slam for 61 years in 2009.
Then it's on to the centenary celebrations at Twickenham before Martin Johnson's England take on Wales at 1700 GMT. Two years ago, Warren Gatland's side ended 20 years of hurt by winning at Twickers, using the impetus of that great start to go all the way to a Grand Slam of their own. That's how important a first week win can be.
This year, for the first time, all 15 matches are available in High Definition - and all will be live on BBC's HD Channel, which will also carry our popular red button forums that follow many of our programmes to bring you extra interviews, analysis and debate. The first of these runs until 1930 GMT on Saturday.
It is worth hitting that red button at any time to catch up with highlights of all matches and to find a few more goodies. This weekend, there is a chance to see a special documentary made by our colleagues at RTE about Ireland's Grand Slam season. The Ruck 'n Roll Years is back by popular demand, too.
Radio 5 and 5 live sports extra has live commentaries, while Matt Dawson will preview every weekend of the championship on the Thursday evening prior to the action.
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After Saturday's match at Twickenham, John Inverdale, Jonathan Davies, Andy Nicol and several of our production team hit the long road to Murrayfield to be there in time - just - for Scotland v France (Sunday, BBC1 1430 GMT).
Mind you, at least we've got a car for the trip. Over the next four weeks, we'll be featuring Lawrence Dallaglio's journey across Europe as he travels to and from all the Six Nations grounds - on a bike. Yes, the big fella is getting the lycra on and hoping to raise upwards of a million quid for Sport Relief and his own charitable foundation.
If you want to find out more - or give to a great cause - head for the Sport Relief website. We'll be tracking his progress and saddle sores on BBC TV and online over the next month. Good luck, Lol!
Finally, and most importantly of all, on Saturday, BBC TV Sport will pay its own tribute to the "Voice of Rugby" Bill McLaren, who sadly died two weeks ago at the age of 86. This goes out at 1300 GMT on Saturday on BBC1.
Bill was not only one of the great sports commentators but also one of the most delightful, dedicated and lovely of men. John Inverdale visited Bill's home town of Hawick for his funeral and from there introduces a programme he made back in 2002 with producer Jo McCusker. Entitled "Flower of Scotland", it beautifully captures the essence of a great but humble Scotsman.
On Sunday, Murrayfield and the Scottish Rugby Union will join in the tributes to Bill, with his family in attendance, not least his grandson Rory Lawson, who is part of the Scotland team. The singing of Flower of Scotland is sure to be even more emotional and stirring than usual for the crowd and TV audience alike.
As Bill would have said, "Aye, it's a grand old tournament." Enjoy the next seven weeks.
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