England have recruited a number of secret weapons in a bid to lift the team ahead of their RBS 6 Nations opener against Italy at Twickenham.

The country’s top opera sopranos led by Christine Rice ­ one of the biggest stars of English National Opera ­ will be strategically placed around the stadium to activate the vocal cords of England’s 82,000-strong supporters and spur the team on.

The professional singers have been handpicked and will be planted in the stands to help raise the singing standard of traditional rugby anthems such as Jerusalem and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

Critically acclaimed mezzo-soprano Rice will lead the classically-trained group ­ Christine Rice and the Betfai  Opera-ettes ­ throughout the duration of the tournament to help inspire England to their first Grand Slam win in six years.

Andy Lulham of Betfair said: “We know that a passionate crowd is like adding an extra player to the team so what better way to inspire England than by providing them with the country’s very best voices to cheer them on.  And with England’s first game against Italy ­ the home of opera ­ the opposition won’t know what’s hit them when they hear the opera singers belting out the most beautiful chants Twickenham has ever experienced.”

Rice who normally treads the boards at London’s Royal Opera House in performances like Madamme Butterfly and The Tempest said: “I’ve performed all around the world, but to lead my country ­ and some 82,000 passionate rugby fans ­ in what could be the world¹s biggest opera chorus is sure to be one of my career¹s most memorable moments.  I’m looking forward to taking on the Italians at their own game and helping to sing England to victory.”