BBC and ITV have agreed a new four-year deal to keep the Men’s Six Nations on free-to-air television until 2029.
The agreement starting in 2026 will ensure that the championship will remain accessible to a wide audience in the UK.
BBC Sport will provide live coverage, TV highlights and digital clips, including five matches each year involving Scotland and Wales. ITV will broadcast 10 live games each season, including every England fixture.
The BBC will also offer live coverage of the Women’s Six Nations and Under-20 Six Nations across TV and iPlayer, and continue providing live audio commentary.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport, BBC, said, “This deal is fantastic news for rugby and the BBC, keeping the sport accessible for as many people as possible.”
Niall Sloane, Director of Sport, ITV, 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.”
In February, England captain Maro Itoje called for Six Nations organisers to keep the championship on free-to-air TV, external on the grounds that rugby union needs more exposure.
The tournament has been free to air since 2003.
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