Six Nations format change revealed, some people are not happy
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The release of the 2026 Six Nations Championship fixtures has been delayed as behind-the-scenes discussions over a new broadcast deal continue.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
The current partnership with the BBC and ITV is set to expire this year, leaving rugby fans eagerly waiting to see who will pick up the reins.
Broadcast Battle in Full Swing
Negotiations are still ongoing as the Six Nations weigh up the pros and cons of sticking with free-to-air giants like the BBC and ITV or chasing higher revenues from other broadcasters. Sources close to the talks have hinted that everything is on the table.
One major shift being floated is a revamped schedule featuring more evening kick-offs, designed to suit broadcaster preferences and potentially pull in larger audiences. Another spicy possibility? A “Super Saturday” happening every weekend of the men's Championship – a dream for fans but a logistical mountain to climb.
Fitting the Championship into Six Weeks
From 2026, the tournament will be compressed into a tighter six-week window, down from the traditional seven weeks. That means one rest week instead of two, with three games in a row to kick things off, a breather in the middle, and back-to-back weekends to crown the champions at the start of March.
“Player Welfare Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought”
Not everyone is sold on the shake-up. Player welfare advocates have raised concerns that losing the extra rest week could lead to a higher risk of injuries.
“Condensing the schedule might work for TV audiences, but what about the players? This decision feels rushed and risks compromising their health,” an anonymous expert shared.
As excitement builds for what's to come, Six Nations organisers also face the challenge of avoiding clashes with other major sporting events. It's clear they're balancing tradition, fan engagement, and the allure of fresh TV deals – but will the gamble pay off? Only time will tell.
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Can you name the Six Nations players with the most appearances in the tournament?
The Six Nations is a tournament steeped in history, with some of rugby’s greatest players gracing its stage year after year. But can you name the warriors who’ve played the most games in the competition?
From reliable stalwarts to all-time greats, this quiz challenges your knowledge of the 21 players who’ve made the most appearances in Six Nations history.
You've got five minutes on the clock—think you're up to the task?
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