First steps taken to keep the Six Nations on free-to-air television

Today at 08:21 AM

By Paul Wilkinson

A parliamentary debate was held on Tuesday afternoon, amidst rumours that TNT plan on bidding for the exclusive rights to the Men’s Six Nations.

Charlie Dewhirst, MP for Bridlington and The Wolds, led a debate on the need to ensure the Six Nations is kept on free-to-air television. Reports broke last week that TNT Sports are seriously considering bidding for the rights, which are currently shared between the BBC and ITV.

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Dewhirst, who has previously worked in sports broadcasting, stated in Parliament the need to protect the tournament from going behind a paywall:

"The tournament itself attracts 120 million viewers in total, a clear demonstration of its popularity. My own view is that six nations matches involving the home countries should be moved from group B to group A to ensure this much-loved tournament continues to have the broadest possible reach. This is vital for the health of the game from the elite level down to the grassroots".

The MP believes that the renowned tournament should be added to what is referred to as the Government's "crown jewels" sporting events. These competitions, which include the Olympics and the Football World Cup, have to be offered to be shown to free-to-air TV channels on "fair and reasonable terms".

Scotland, one of the dark horses for the title this year, started well against Italy, but England and Wales suffered away losses to France and Ireland respectively. Touching on her nation's recent poor form, Ann Davies, MP for Caerfyrddin, supported the notion that the tournament should be protected by the Government:

"Does the hon. Member agree that, win or lose—as is our case at the moment—rugby brings us all together in Wales and should be included in group A?"

Several other MPs spoke in support of this, and fundamentally believe that moving coverage from free-to-air television channels would seriously harm the popularity of the sport in the UK.

The Six Nations, addressing these rumours, has said in a statement:

"Free to air will have every opportunity to buy the Six Nations media rights, when we start any process… no agreements have been reached, and any speculation on the future coverage and broadcast partnerships is pure speculation…

In the UK, this speculation has led to MPs speaking out on the topic. We are continuing to work closely with the relevant people to relay the context and facts relating to the media rights process."

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