- Six Nations will remain on free-to-air TV for the next five years after bumper deal
- There were fears rugby’s hallmark competition could be moved behind a paywall
- ITV has won the rights to show all of England’s matches during the period
The Six Nations will remain on free-to-air TV after the BBC and ITV agreed a bumper deal for the competition.
ITV will stump up the bulk of the cash after winning the rights to show all of England’s games.
Squeezed by budgetary pressures, the BBC are set to reduce their package to just five Tests, focussing on the other home nations.
The new deal will run until 2030, buoyed by rising viewing figures for the competition so far this year. It is welcome news following fears that rugby’s hallmark competition could move behind a paywall.
BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski said: ‘This deal is fantastic news for rugby and the BBC, keeping the sport accessible for as many people as possible.
‘We are proud to bring the biggest sporting moments to our audiences and this new deal is the perfect news ahead of our exclusive broadcast coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this summer.
The Six Nations will remain on free-to-air TV after the BBC and ITV agreed a bumper deal for the competition
There had been fears earlier this year that rugby’s hallmark competition could move behind a paywall
ITV will stump up the bulk of the cash after winning the rights to show all of England’s games
‘This is an exciting time for rugby, and we are proud to share every thrilling moment with audiences across the UK.’
ITV director of sport Niall Sloane said it was a ‘monumental deal for rugby fans’.
‘We are proud to be the home of all England matches for the duration of the deal including England’s much revered clashes with Ireland, Scotland and Wales,’ he added.
‘The tournament is always one of the sporting highlights of the year, so we look forward to continuing to work with Six Nations Rugby and each union and federation moving forward.’
