RUGBY stars from England and New Zealand could be scrumming down to Bolton to light up the Christmas lights -- if they win matches next week.

The international rugby heroes will be descending on the Victoria Square for the big light up on November 16.

But just which top players from which country depends on who wins quarter-final games.

England are playing Ireland next Saturday and New Zealand play France the next day.

The winners of those matches in the Lincoln Rugby League World Cup meet head to head at the Reebok Stadium for the semi-final on Saturday, November 18.

Members from the winning teams -- whoever they are -- will be squaring up for the scrummage of eager Bolton folk looking for autographs.

Thousands are expected to turn up for the Christmas lights switch on, billed as an extravaganza of music and entertainment which starts at 5pm.

On the bill are top-ten pop princesses Atomic Kitten with schoolgirl singing sensation Hannah Morris and teenage rock band Al!ve

This year the whole two-hour show will be centred on the specially constructed stage outside the town hall.

The line-up also includes the Reebok Stadium's Kevan Williams who will again be compering the night, the three winners of Bolton's Music Live Festival -- Charles Butcher, Sarah Jane Rushton and Samantha Pilling, pantomime stars from the Albert Halls and Octagon Theatres, Bolton Wanderers stars with club mascot Lofty the Lion and a special performance from Bolton Saturday Club kids.

Father Christmas will be there and the Mayor of Bolton Cllr Alan Wilkinson will flip the big switch to light up the town centre at 7pm followed by a spectacular firework display sponsored by the Bolton Evening News. There will not be the traditional Christmas parade. A council spokesman said it was in order to allow people to enjoy the two hour show without missing any performances.