ITV and BBC to share coverage of Six Nations Championship from 2016
The Six Nations Championship will remain on free to air television until at least 2021 in a new deal secured by ITV and the BBC.
“As ITV prepares to bring viewers exclusive, free-to-air live coverage of the Rugby World Cup later this year, we’re delighted to be strengthening our ties with the game by bringing audiences the first class, live action and unique atmosphere of the RBS 6 Nations from next year.” – ITV Director of Sport, Niall Sloane
Taking effect from 2016, the deal marks the rugby union tournament’s debut on the commercial network while extending BBC Sport’s current contract, allowing fans to continue to access the championship across BBC TV, radio and online.
Under the terms of the deal, ITV will show live coverage of all England, Ireland and Italy home matches and the BBC will show live coverage of all Scotland, Wales and France home matches.
“It’s great news for fans of the Six Nations that the championship will be staying on free to air television. It’s a very special competition and our viewing figures from this year prove just how popular it is with audiences. We very much look forward to starting our new partnership with ITV and continuing our strong relationship with RBS 6 Nations.” – BBC Director of Sport, Barbara Slater
