In a landmark announcement on March 18, 2025, Six Nations Rugby confirmed it will remain free-to-air for fans following an increased commitment from BBC and ITV. This new four-year partnership ensures comprehensive coverage of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship until 2029, allowing fans to continue enjoying the iconic rugby competition without subscription fees.
ITV will broadcast 10 live matches each season, including every England fixture, while BBC Sport will cover five live matches involving Scotland and Wales. The deal also includes extensive coverage of the Women’s Six Nations and U20 Six Nations competitions.
Niall Sloane, ITV’s Director of Sport, expressed enthusiasm for the deal, stating, “This is a monumental deal for rugby fans and ITV as we ensure the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship stays on free-to-air television.” This commitment emphasizes the importance of making top-tier rugby accessible to a broader audience.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport at the BBC, added, “This deal is fantastic news for rugby and the BBC, keeping the sport accessible for as many people as possible. We are proud to bring the biggest sporting moments to our audiences.” Such statements underline the excitement surrounding the tournament, especially as the BBC prepares for its exclusive coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this summer.
Before this significant announcement, there were concerns that TNT Sports might secure the rights to the next Six Nations cycle, potentially moving the matches behind a paywall. This prospect raised alarms among stakeholders about the potential impact on grassroots rugby participation.
Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, indirectly acknowledged those concerns, stating, “The significance of these new and innovative free-to-air partnerships for the Six Nations cannot be overstated. By strengthening rugby’s relationships with ITV and BBC, the sport can continue to give as many fans as possible in the UK access to enjoy live coverage of the Six Nations.” He pointed out that such partnerships not only maximize audience reach, but also generate crucial revenue for the sport’s growth and preservation.
However, Harrison did not shy away from discussing the challenging commercial environment that rugby operates within. “The commercial environment in which rugby is operating is extremely challenging, and the battle for audience attention has never been greater,” he said. This illustrates how vital the support from free-to-air broadcasters has been for the sport during turbulent times.
In light of these discussions, it's worth celebrating the exciting on-field performances that have also marked the Six Nations this year. Recently, a sensational try from Scotland during the Calcutta Cup clash against England was nominated for the prestigious Guinness Men’s Six Nations Try of the Championship award. Huw Jones scored the try after a stunning offload from Duhan van der Merwe, highlighting the high level of skill and athleticism present in the tournament.
Jones’s dazzling finish is one of four nominations for this coveted award, which showcases some of the best tries from the competition. Italy’s Ross Vintcent and France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey also received nods for their outstanding tries against England and Ireland, respectively. Bielle-Biarrey’s second try against Ireland was particularly beautiful, involving a decisive kick back inside to break through the Irish defense. Additionally, France’s Léo Barré added to the impressive list of nominees with a stunning second try against Italy, a moment some felt belonged in a video game.
As fans gear up to vote for their favorite try, they can reflect on the competitive spirit that defines the Six Nations. This tournament not only captures the hearts of rugby enthusiasts but also serves as a springboard for promising talents on an international stage.
Another uplifting moment occurred as the Wales U20s pulled off a stunning upset victory against a Grand Slam-chasing England team, winning 23-13 at Arms Park. Harry Beddall led the team with an impressive defensive effort, finishing the tournament with over 100 tackles. Head coach Richard Whiffin praised Beddall, noting, “He’s been outstanding. Beds is a quiet bloke in and around the environment, but he leads by example.”
Harry Thomas also shone during the tournament, contributing significantly to Wales's defense and being named man of the match in three games. His rigorous training and commitment to outworking his opponents positioned him as a key player for the team. “These boys are just a bunch of dogs,” he said about his teammates. “You just tell them to hit stuff, and they crack on.”
The excitement surrounding these performances, both at the U20 and senior levels, exemplifies the resilience and talent within Welsh rugby. It paints a brighter picture for the future, despite the recent setbacks of the senior team during the Six Nations. “Hopefully, a few of these boys, myself included, get more exposure in the URC and we keep progressing,” Thomas remarked, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement and visibility for young players in the system.
With this new partnership between the BBC and ITV, combined with thrilling performances on the field, rugby fans across the UK can look forward to what promises to be an extraordinary few years ahead in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship. As the tournament continues to showcase talent and resilience, it remains accessible, inclusive, and ultimately enjoyable for fans.
