Six Nations set for sensational new broadcaster with BBC pulling out
01/01/2025 03:23 AM
For the first time in history, the Six Nations might leave free-to-air TV, with broadcasters facing a colossal £100million price tag to secure broadcasting rights when the current deal ends.
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BBC priced out of the running
The BBC, a long-standing broadcaster of the Six Nations, looks set to lose out. The new price tag represents a £10million hike from the current four-year £90million contract, which expires after the 2025 tournament.
A tender process is about to kick off, with insiders revealing the BBC has admitted they can't afford the hefty cost.
Where will the Six Nations land?
TNT Sports is currently tipped as the front-runner, already holding rights for the Premiership and autumn internationals. A potential joint deal with ITV has also been floated, which could keep some matches on free-to-air TV.
Six Nations poll:
Six Nations faces status questions
Campaigns to make the Six Nations a "Category A" event—ensuring it must air on BBC, ITV, or Channel 4—have gained traction but remain unsuccessful. For now, the tournament stays as a "Category B" event, meaning subscription services like TNT Sports can claim exclusive rights.
Fans can breathe a small sigh of relief as highlights will still be available on free-to-air channels, even if live matches aren't.
2025 Six Nations kicks off in Paris
As broadcasters jostle for the rights, the 2025 Six Nations opener is locked in for January 31, with France hosting Wales in Paris. The clock is ticking to see who will bring fans the action.
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Owen Farrell hated England teammate, the pair never made up
England fly-half Owen Farrell is never afraid of sharing an opinion or two – especially when it's about someone he doesn't particularly like.
#1. Dave Attwood
The Bath lock won the last of his 24 caps for England back in 2016, which could have a lot to do with his relationship with the current England captain.
“He had a bit of a shout at me and went off to the toilet and I followed him.
"We all had a drink or two after the game but we didn't need to get carried away with this. I was in the urinal behind the door and he was three or four down and as I got in his dad walked in as well, he was coaching at the time. He was, 'I don't want to fuckin' hear it' or something like that and as he walked out he went to open the door and slam it into the back of me. There was like a stop on the floor so it hit the stop and almost clocked him back…
"We never really addressed it after that. That was where it started and it was like a drunken little bit of argy that went too far. He is an incredibly competitive athlete and he is also very f**kin' good, he has got high standards. He is a very competitive athlete and in order to be that good, you have to flirt on the wrong side of competitive.
"So whenever we play each other there is always some element in the game where one of us is running at the other one or we are trying to bang each other. There always seems to be an element of that to it. I am sure he is like, I don't even know that Dave is playing."
#2. Ryan Wilson
Wilson later revealed he was banned from Twickenham following the incident.
"I remember that game, I was actually injured and after tunnel-gate, after everything that happened in the tunnel against England, I'd lined up a corporate gig at Twickenham," he recalled to Rugby Pass in November.
"Had it all lined up, a little bit of cash, all excited, only to get a message back saying the RFU have banned you from Twickenham Stadium after everything that happened the year before.
#3. James Haskell
The pair have what we can only describe as a love-hate relationship. As legendary as the ‘best mates’ videos were during the 2016 tour of Australia, Farrell certainly didn’t seem to be enjoying it.
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you're over 30 and can't name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it's time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we'd rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby's golden era. If the names don't come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you've got what it takes to ace this one? Let's find out. Good luck!
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