BBC will no longer broadcast England rugby games, Gabby Logan makes statement

Today at 05:35 AM

England fans, take note — you won't be watching your team on the BBC for the rest of the decade.

ITV and the BBC have struck a new deal with the Six Nations that will see them continue to share broadcasting rights until 2029. But this time, ITV has come out on top, securing exclusive coverage of all England's matches. The BBC will still air Wales and Scotland's home games, except when they face England.

No Paywall Concerns

There were real fears that Six Nations matches could disappear behind a paywall, with TNT Sports expressing interest and the BBC facing budget constraints. But fans can breathe a sigh of relief — the tournament stays free-to-air for the foreseeable future.

ITV Takes Centre Stage

Niall Sloane, ITV's Director of Sport, couldn't hide his excitement:

"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. We are also proud to be the home of all England matches for the duration of the deal, including England's much-revered clashes with Ireland, Scotland, and Wales."

BBC Holds Its Ground

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, struck a positive tone despite losing England's matches:

"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, and this new deal is the perfect news ahead of our exclusive broadcast coverage of the Women's Rugby World Cup this summer."

Gabby Logan's Take

Gabby Logan, a long-time supporter of the Six Nations, shared her thoughts on Threads:

"You know I love the @sixnationsrugby. I think I once called it the perfect sporting championship. Taking us around six amazing capitals from winter to spring, the regional rivalry, extraordinary sporting encounters, big hits and collisions, flair and finesse. It never disappoints. So happy that we get to be part of it for four more years @bbcsport."

With this deal locked in, rugby fans can relax knowing they'll still get their annual dose of Six Nations drama — just don't expect to see England on the BBC any time soon.

Jonny Wilkinson didn't hesitate when naming his toughest opponent

England legend Jonny Wilkinson went head-to-head with some of the greatest rugby players of all time, but who did he find the toughest to play against?

The 2003 World Cup hero, who earned 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, has revealed the five players he most “hated” facing during his career.

#5.Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Lomu’s one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.

WILKINSON SAID: “One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him."

DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999

#4.Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe's finest.

WILKINSON SAID: "The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership."

DID YOU KNOW? O'Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player

#3.Bakkies Botha (South Africa)

WILKINSON SAID:"Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth" and "at times he's exactly what a team needs," according to Wilkinson.

DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in ‘greatest ever’ sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO

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