Mills and Boon and the RFU

He heard a massive cheer from the crowd behind him and knew instantly what had happened. Not so innocent, he thought grimly. Not so innocent that she didn't know how to work the press to her advantage. She was kissing him in the window, in full view of the cameras covering the game and the crowd. Cameras that were now focussed on them.

'Oh my God.' Her hand covered her mouth. She glanced at him in desperate panic. 'They filmed me kissing you. And it's up on the giant screens.' Her voice rose, her cheeks were scarlet, and her reluctant glance towards the stadium ended in a moan of disbelief. 'Oh God, I can't believe this - it looks as though I'm - and my hair is all over the place and my bottom looks huge, and - everyone is looking.'

His eyes on the pitch, Prince Casper watched with cool detachment as his friend, the England captain, hit a post with a drop-goal attempt.

'More importantly, you just cost England three points.'

No, we have not gone mad - and you are not dreaming. This is an excerpt from a Mills and Boon new release. There are a whole series of these romances, all based around English rugby AND they are being supported by the RFU.

I had to pinch myself when I saw this. RFTG reporter is at the launch as we speak to see what the low down is. We will have pictures and tales to tell over the next few days, so keep visiting!

PRESS RELEASE

About Mills & Boon's RFU International Billionaires Series

Following the phenomenal success of their Centenary year, romance-publishing giant Mills & Boon has teamed up with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to produce a spectacular line-out of eight new titles.

Launching on 1st February 2009, each title in Mills & Boon's limited-edition International Billionaires series features great rugby moments and brooding alpha-male sporting heroes, offering all the passion, romance and glamour we have come to expect from Mills & Boon, plus a little added ruck and maul.

'Romance and rugby are a natural combination for me,' says Felicia Field, partner of England Rugby player James Haskell. 'Every match has a fantastic atmosphere and it's a great day out with the girls!'

'Rugby has always been a game enjoyed by women - for obvious reasons!' says Jane Barron, Licensing & Marketing Manager for the RFU. 'A partnership with Mills & Boon is a fantastic way to encourage more women and their families to get involved with the game.'

'Mills & Boon romances and rugby are an irresistible combination - from the thrill of the pursuit, to the euphoria of realising one's goals (whether romantic or sporting!),' says Clare Somerville, Sales & Marketing Director of Harlequin Mills & Boon. 'Our partnership with the RFU should entice Mills & Boon fans into the world of rugby and vice versa!'