Six Nations to stay on terrestrial TV
Six Nations rugby will remain on terrestrial television but the BBC has agreed a joint deal which will see ITV show all England home games.
The broadcasters will split coverage of the tournament from 2016 to 2021 with ITV showing live coverage of England, Ireland and Italy home matches and the BBC screening the home games of Scotland, Wales and France.
The announcement by the RBS 6 Nations sees the BBC hang on to at least part of the rights that it had feared it would lose to Sky.
It will be the first time the Six Nations will be shown on ITV and the agreement also extends BBC Sport's current contract, allowing fans to continue to access the tournament via radio and online platforms.
The broadcaster that does not screen the last match of a Six Nations weekend will transmit a Sunday highlights show.
BBC director of sport Barbara Slater said: "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."
Related Content