England will play in final Six Nations match broadcast by the BBC
Yesterday at 04:32 PM
BBC insiders are reportedly bracing themselves for a major loss, with fears growing that the broadcaster will lose its Six Nations TV rights after this year’s tournament.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
If that happens, the Wales vs. England clash on the final day of the 2025 Six Nations could mark the end of an era for BBC’s coverage.
Subscription Incoming?
The current rights agreement splits the tournament between BBC and ITV, with the former showing Wales and Scotland's home fixtures while ITV airs games in England, Ireland, France, and Italy. But with TNT Sports circling, fans may soon have to pay a subscription to watch the tournament live. Even within the BBC, there's little optimism about keeping hold of the rights.
TNT to Blow Up Free-to-Air Coverage?
According to The Telegraph, BBC staff covering this year's tournament expect it to be their last, with mounting concerns over the level of interest shown by the corporation's new director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski. However, free-to-air broadcasters are still in the running, as the next deal won't necessarily go to the highest bidder.
From Free to Fee?
The Six Nations has historically been a fixture of terrestrial TV, apart from a brief period between 1998 and 2001 when England's matches aired on Sky Sports. But a final decision on the rights will rest with the six unions, and with the BBC facing financial struggles, the fear is that they simply won't be able to compete with TNT and ITV.
Slater's Warning: BBC Can't Keep Up
Former BBC sport director Barbara Slater previously warned that the corporation could no longer afford the Six Nations, pointing out that its budget had shrunk by 30% in real terms while sports rights fees had more than doubled in the past decade. Unlike events such as the Rugby World Cup final, Olympics, and Wimbledon final, the Six Nations isn't protected under the UK's ‘crown jewels’ list, meaning it doesn't have to be offered to free-to-air broadcasters.
TNT Responds to £100m Speculation
Earlier this month, TNT responded to speculation about a potential £100m deal—£10m more than the BBC and ITV's current joint agreement. A spokesperson told Broadcast Sport:
“While we think the Six Nations is the best international rugby competition in the world, its important partnership with free-to-air television across the UK and Ireland, but particularly in markets like Wales and Ireland, would make our involvement very challenging.”
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Brian O'Driscoll didn't even blink when asked who his toughest opponent was
orn in Dublin on January 21, 1979, O'Driscoll amassed 141 Test caps for Ireland and the Lions, captaining his country a record 83 times. His dazzling footwork, intelligent running lines, and incredible ability to read the game made him a nightmare for opposition defences. Over his career, he won multiple Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2009, and left an indelible mark on the sport.
Throughout his time at the top, O'Driscoll faced some of the best players to ever step on a rugby pitch. In interviews spanning several years, including a Q&A with the Six Nations website, he revealed the five opponents who pushed him to the limit.
5. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
Few players in rugby history have evolved as dramatically as Ma'a Nonu. Initially known more for his signature braids and heavy-handed running style, the All Blacks centre developed into a complete midfielder, adding a sharp passing and kicking game to his powerful ball-carrying. His transformation was instrumental in New Zealand's dominance, culminating in back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015.
Nonu finished his Test career with 103 caps, forming an iconic partnership with Conrad Smith that was the bedrock of the All Blacks' midfield for nearly a decade.
Brian O’Driscoll SAID: “Same height as me [5-foot-11] and still 16-stone. Probably the most complete centre in the modern game.”
4. Conrad Smith (New Zealand)
Nicknamed 'The Snake' for his uncanny ability to glide through defensive gaps with minimal effort, Conrad Smith was the brains of the All Blacks midfield for over a decade. His intelligence, composure, and defensive awareness made him an indispensable part of New Zealand's success.
Winning two Rugby World Cups (2011, 2015) and earning 94 Test caps, Smith was the ultimate team player. While his attacking flair often flew under the radar, his sharp decision-making and ability to link play made him one of the best centres of his generation.
Brian O’Driscoll SAID: "I thought Conrad Smith was always one of the really difficult ones. He was nicknamed 'Snake' I think because of his hips and it doesn't look like he's going that fast but jeez, he can travel."
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