Rugby fans across the UK can rejoice as BBC and ITV have confirmed a new four-year deal to broadcast the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship live and free-to-air.
The agreement ensures uninterrupted coverage of the prestigious tournament from 2026 to 2029, bringing every thrilling moment directly to viewers without the need for a subscription.
ITV will take charge of broadcasting all England fixtures, delivering ten live matches each season across ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, along with highlights and exclusive digital content.
BBC Sport will air five live matches each year, focusing on Scotland, Wales and Ireland, alongside highlights and digital clips across its platforms.
In addition, the BBC retains the audio commentary rights for every match, accessible via radio, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app.
The deal extends beyond just the men’s competition, with BBC Sport continuing to provide comprehensive coverage of the Women’s Six Nations and U20 Six Nations on TV and iPlayer.
Hayley Valentine, Director of BBC Scotland, called the agreement “fantastic news for rugby fans across Scotland,” highlighting the “huge audiences” the tournament attracts year after year.
Niall Sloane, ITV’s Director of Sport, described the deal as “monumental” for rugby fans, ensuring the tournament remains available to all while securing exclusive England coverage.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, emphasised the importance of keeping rugby accessible to as many people as possible, calling the agreement “exciting” ahead of the BBC’s exclusive coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this summer.
Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, underlined the significance of these partnerships, stating that they maximise audience reach while generating essential revenue to support and grow the sport.
He noted that the Six Nations remains one of the “greatest occasions in world sport,” and this deal reflects the tournament’s enduring appeal despite an increasingly competitive media landscape.
ITV’s impressive sports portfolio includes the Women’s Euros 2025, The FA Cup, Men’s Euros 2028, Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship, and more.
Meanwhile, BBC Sport continues to dominate free-to-air coverage with the Olympic Games, Women’s Six Nations 2025, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Men’s Euro 2028, Wimbledon, and Premier League highlights through Match of The Day.
This landmark agreement ensures that rugby fans will enjoy world-class coverage of the Six Nations for years to come, cementing its place as a must-watch sporting spectacle.
