Six Nations agrees multi-year BBC/ITV broadcast deal

The Six Nations has agreed a broadcast deal in principle with the BBC and ITV until 2025, which includes its men’s, women’s, and under 20’s competitions.

This will be a boost to rugby fans across the UK, after rumours that the rugby union tournament was open to negotiations with Sky, BT, and other pay-TV providers. The deal is now just subject to contract, after which it will be fully confirmed.

Running from 2022 until 2025, the agreement covers the men’s competition - which will see ITV airing English, Irish, Italian and French home matches, and the BBC showing Welsh and Scottish home games. 

Meanwhile, the women’s tournament will be broadcast exclusively by the BBC, with ‘unprecedented investment’ set to be given in abig step forward for equality between the two versions.

Finally, the under 20’s will also be on the BBC, with ‘consistent coverage’ of the tournament.

CEO of Six Nations Rugby, Ben Morel, said: “This is exciting news for fans and for our Championships. Both BBC and ITV have been excellent partners in recent years playing an important role in sharing the incredible moments that the Six Nations always produces, and celebrating the special place our Championships hold in the hearts of fans.

“I’m particularly excited by the opportunity to grow the Women’s game with an invested broadcast partner in the BBC who is as committed as we are. We’re looking forward to working with them both as we continue to raise the bar and bring Rugby’s Greatest Championships to ever-growing numbers across the UK.”

BBC director of sport, Barbara Slater, added: “For the millions of Six Nations fans across the UK, the Championships remaining free-to-air is wonderful news. We look forward to delivering live action from both the Men’s and Women’s as well as the Men’s Under-20’s Championships to the widest possible audience over the next four seasons. BBC Sport has led the way in increasing the profile of Women’s sports, so we are thrilled to now include the Women’s Six Nations as a permanent fixture on our broadcast calendar.”

Niall Sloane, ITV director of sport said: “ITV is delighted to have reached this agreement, which extends free-to-air coverage of such an important tournament and will ensure it remains centre stage each spring. With the addition of France home games to those of England, Ireland and Italy, we look forward to bringing ITV viewers a wealth of superb rugby from the Six Nations in the coming years.”