The BBC and ITV have reached a groundbreaking agreement that will see the Men’s Six Nations remain on free-to-air television until 2029. Under this new four-year deal, BBC Sport will provide comprehensive live coverage, TV highlights, and digital clips of the championship, including five matches each year featuring Scotland and Wales. Meanwhile, ITV will broadcast 10 live games annually, including every England fixture, starting in 2026. This deal marks a significant milestone for rugby fans, ensuring that the sport remains accessible to a wide audience.
Securing Accessibility for Rugby Fans
BBC director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, expressed his excitement about the agreement, stating, “This deal is fantastic news for rugby and the BBC, keeping the sport accessible for as many people as possible.” He emphasized the BBC’s commitment to bringing the most significant sporting events to audiences and highlighted the upcoming exclusive broadcast coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. This new deal comes at a pivotal moment for rugby, with fans eagerly anticipating the thrilling moments to come.
ITV director of sport, Niall Sloane, echoed this sentiment, calling the deal a “monumental” win for rugby fans. He emphasized ITV’s role as the home of England matches and expressed enthusiasm for continuing to work closely with Six Nations Rugby and all participating unions and federations. The partnership between ITV and BBC strengthens the relationship between rugby and its fans, ensuring that the excitement of the Six Nations is accessible to audiences across the UK.
Preserving Rugby’s Tradition and Legacy
In response to the agreement, Rugby Football Union chief executive, Bill Sweeney, expressed the organization’s pleasure at retaining a broadcast deal with the BBC and ITV. He highlighted the significance of the Six Nations as a beloved annual championship and underscored the importance of maintaining free-to-air coverage for maximum visibility of the sport. This commitment to accessibility ensures that rugby continues to thrive and grow among fans of all ages.
Six Nations Rugby chief executive, Tom Harrison, emphasized the innovative nature of the new free-to-air partnerships with ITV and BBC. He stressed the importance of strengthening rugby’s relationships with major broadcasters to provide widespread access to live coverage of the Six Nations. This approach aligns with the tournament’s longstanding tradition of being broadcast on free-to-air channels since 2003, ensuring that rugby remains a sport for everyone to enjoy.
Culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, praised the enduring appeal of the Six Nations as a crown jewel in the sporting calendar that unites the home nations. She expressed her delight that the championship will continue to be available on free-to-air television, allowing fans to experience the excitement of the tournament and inspiring future generations of rugby players throughout the UK. The agreement between BBC, ITV, and Six Nations Rugby represents a significant milestone in preserving the legacy and tradition of this beloved sporting event.
In conclusion, the partnership between BBC, ITV, and Six Nations Rugby heralds a new era of accessibility and excitement for rugby fans across the UK. By ensuring that the Men’s Six Nations remains on free-to-air television until 2029, these broadcasters are preserving the sport’s legacy and tradition while inspiring a new generation of rugby enthusiasts. As the championship continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling matches and unforgettable moments, the future of rugby looks brighter than ever before.
