BBC will no longer show Six Nations in 2026, new broadcaster has been revealed
Rugby NewsMonday, 27 January 2025 at 12:05
Rugby Pass has reported that TNT Sports is on the verge of snapping up the Six Nations, adding the iconic tournament to its ever-growing rugby portfolio starting next season.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
This move means the world’s oldest rugby championship will no longer be shown exclusively on free-to-air TV, ending a long-standing tradition.
ITV and BBC’s final curtain call
The current broadcasting deal, which splits live coverage between ITV and the BBC, is in its final year. This arrangement has kept the tournament accessible to millions while providing much-needed terrestrial exposure for rugby in the northern hemisphere.
The current broadcasting deal, which splits live coverage between ITV and the BBC, is in its final year. This arrangement has kept the tournament accessible to millions while providing much-needed terrestrial exposure for rugby in the northern hemisphere.
However, a blockbuster new deal – reportedly worth £100 million – looks set to push the Six Nations to TNT Sports. That’s £10 million more than the current joint ITV/BBC agreement, which wraps up at the end of this year’s Championship.
Who broadcasts what under the current deal?
Currently, the BBC holds exclusive rights to Wales and Scotland home games, while ITV covers England, Ireland, France, and Italy. But with rising costs and competing priorities, the BBC is stepping back, unable to match the new financial demands.
Currently, the BBC holds exclusive rights to Wales and Scotland home games, while ITV covers England, Ireland, France, and Italy. But with rising costs and competing priorities, the BBC is stepping back, unable to match the new financial demands.
A TNT Sports spokesperson said: “While we think the Six Nations is the best international rugby competition in the world, its important partnership with free-to-air television across the UK and Ireland, but particularly in markets like Wales and Ireland, would make our involvement very challenging.”
BBC reveals star-studded team for their final Six Nations
It’s the end of an era for BBC Six Nations coverage, but they’re bowing out with a bang. The broadcaster has unveiled an all-star line-up for this year’s tournament – though there’s one glaring omission.
Former England captain Dylan Hartley, a regular feature of last year’s coverage, is notably absent.
Gabby Logan front and centre
Leading the charge is the ever-reliable Gabby Logan, hosting live coverage on BBC One and iPlayer. She’ll be joined by a wealth of rugby legends, including ex-Wales skipper Sam Warburton, Ireland’s Tommy Bowe, and fan-favourite pundit Jonathan Davies.
Leading the charge is the ever-reliable Gabby Logan, hosting live coverage on BBC One and iPlayer. She’ll be joined by a wealth of rugby legends, including ex-Wales skipper Sam Warburton, Ireland’s Tommy Bowe, and fan-favourite pundit Jonathan Davies.
Legends in the house
- England: Expect plenty of insights from Martin Johnson, Danny Care, and Chris Ashton.
- Italy: The legendary Sergio Parisse is on board to provide expert analysis.
- Scotland: John Barclay and Chris Paterson will represent the Scots.
- Officiating debates: Nigel Owens is set to offer his trademark clarity on refereeing decisions.
Ugo Monye will once again helm the iconic
Six Nations Rugby Special every Sunday on BBC Two and iPlayer, breaking down the action in his signature style.
Who’s behind the mic?
Andrew Cotter leads the commentary team, supported by Sara Orchard, Alastair Eykyn, and Gareth Rhys Owen for match analysis.
Andrew Cotter leads the commentary team, supported by Sara Orchard, Alastair Eykyn, and Gareth Rhys Owen for match analysis.
Notable absences
Former French hooker Ben Kayser joins Dylan Hartley on the list of names missing from this year’s roster. It’s clear the BBC is going all-in for its final hurrah in Six Nations broadcasting.
Former French hooker Ben Kayser joins Dylan Hartley on the list of names missing from this year’s roster. It’s clear the BBC is going all-in for its final hurrah in Six Nations broadcasting.
Six Nations TV schedule on the BBC
The games the BBC has rights to show will be available to watch on BBC One, iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport mobile app (for UK audiences only).
All other games will be shown live on ITV.
Live on BBC Sport:
Saturday, 1 February: Scotland v Italy (14:15 GMT)
Sunday, 9 February: Scotland v Ireland (15:00 GMT)
Saturday, 22 February: Wales v Ireland (14:15 GMT)
Saturday, 8 March: Scotland v Wales (16:45 GMT)
Saturday, 15 March: Wales v England (16:45 GMT)
EDITORS PICKS:
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