The BBC and ITV have been forced to fork out a record £460million to keep the Six Nations on free TV.
They won the joint bid by broadcasters to keep control of blockbuster rugby shows that will start next month.
Despite fierce opposition from Sky, BT Sport and Amazon, the team had to fork out an eye-watering amount.
ITV hold the rights to show England, Ireland, France and Italy home games, while the BBC will only play Wales and Scotland home matches.
This means that the Corporation is no longer able to live broadcast from Twickenham.
Broadcasters won a joint bid to keep control of blockbuster rugby series that will air next month. Marcus Smith in the Autumn Nations victory against South Africa, November 2009.
‘Exclusive discussions’ between Six Nations Rugby and the two channels for a multi-year deal were confirmed in May.
But details of the staggering £460million TV deal emerged in The Rugby Paper over the weekend.
The BBC and ITV will reportedly pay around £115million per year for the right to show the next four tournaments.
It marks a huge leap from the reported £90million per year they were paying for the rights from 2016.
The new deal also sent the prize money for the winning team soaring – with the victors set to cash in around £6.5million.
Yet it is understood to still fall far short of the £150million per year Six Nations bosses wanted.
ITV holds the rights for England, Ireland, France, and Italy’s home games. The BBC (pictured) will show Wales and Scotland at home matches.
ITV will serve as the’senior Partner’ in the tournaments. They also have rights to additional games.
Meanwhile the BBC will show fewer men’s games but will cover the Under-20s and women’s Six Nations.
Free-to-air TV executives feared losing out on any new contract due to pressure from Sky, BT Sport and Amazon.
Amazon is reported to have thrown its hat into the ring for the first-time last February after hosting the Autumn Nations Cup.
BBC Chief Tim Davie pointed out to BBC the significance of the tournament.
According to him, “64 percent of all Welsh people” watched the thrilling victory over England by Wales last year.
He continued: ‘There is a limit to our budget but it is utterly critical we protect things like that, because that’s where audiences get value from the BBC.’
Davie stated: “So, this is of priority importance that we are able to bring those large events.”
Six Nations Rugby announced in May that Six Nations Rugby has confirmed its exclusive negotiations with BBC, ITV and ITV regarding the three Six Nations Championships.
Six Nations Rugby and two television broadcasters have reached an improved agreement that will allow fans to continue enjoying coverage of some of rugby’s most important championships across the United Kingdom. The agreements were made after years of collaboration.
The agreement is for a period of four years, beginning in 2022 and ending at the end of 2025 Championships.
ITV (pictured), will be the “senior Partner” for tournaments. This is because they have the rights to more games.
Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: ‘For the millions of Six Nations fans across the UK, the Championships remaining free-to-air is wonderful news.
“We are looking forward to broadcasting live action from the Men’s, Women’s, and Men’s U-20’s Championships for the largest audience possible over the next four season.
“BBC Sport has been a pioneer in increasing awareness of women’s sports. We are proud to announce that the Women’s Six Nations will now be a regular fixture on our broadcast calendar.
Niall Sloane (Director of Sport, ITV) said: “ITV is thrilled to have reached an agreement that extends free-of-charge coverage of such a crucial tournament and will ensure that it stays centre-stage each spring.
“With France adding home games to England, Ireland, Italy and Italy we look forward ITV viewers to enjoy a variety of excellent rugby from Six Nations in future years.”
CHRIS FOY: Eddie Jones is looking ahead to England’s Six Nations campaign… Owen Farrell being absent, and many spots still available in the starting XV.
- Monday marked the start of England’s preparations to host this year’s Six Nations.
- Eddie Jones is faced with many decisions, such as how to replace Owen Farrell.
- Meanwhile, the Premiership’s new terrestrial TV deal is good news for the sport
- Their mojo has been restored by Saturday’s demolition of Scarlets in Bristol
England’s Six Nations Build-Up in Brighton begins Monday. Eddie Jones is aware of the fact that Owen Farrell’s absence has left a void and will have to address other priorities as well.
George Ford’s injuries have reopened the door for George Ford. Courtney Lawes is likely to be back in leadership after Courtney Lawes has left. These opportunities are deserved by both men.
There are many other things to be aware of. England is currently in a transition period that means there are not many things certain or settled.
Eddie Jones is faced with many difficult decisions as he prepares for this year’s Six Nations.
It is difficult to predict the starting XV. Maro Itoje is one, Tom Curry is another, as is Kyle Sinckler — for now at least — and Ben Youngs remains the unchallenged No 1 scrum-half. Most places beyond that are open to discussion.
Henry Slade is all but assured of a midfield start but his exact role depends on the availability of Farrell and Manu Tuilagi — who is closing in on another comeback.
Freddie Steward appears on the cusp of a long career as England’s pre-eminent full back but he is not yet untouchable — he is still finding his feet at Test level, albeit quickly.
Joe Marler has a set-piece advantage over Ellis Genge for No 1, but his prowess as a Leicester captain may give him an edge. But the selection of the loosehead props could split opinions, just like Jamie George and Luke Cowan–Dickie at hooker.
Courtney Lawes will likely have another stint as a leader because of Owen Farrell’s accident
The key to England’s short-term success seems to be in Jones’s decision and the decisions of his assistants to move in the back five. This column advocates the preservation of the primary habitat of the players, particularly in the context of the deployment of Tom Curry.
Jones called on the Sale flanker for more consistency, if he is to become truly world-class. But consistency in role would be a great help.
Curry was at No 8 in the autumn and has flitted between the flanker berths but openside is his preferred position, so he should become entrenched there, until the next World Cup — with the option to fill in elsewhere only when in-game emergencies require it.
England has enough talent to support one specialist candidate with No 8, so it is logical for Alex Dombrandt being given the chance.
He continued his fine run of leading Harlequins against Castres Friday night with a hat trick. He’s stepping up in tight games.
Sale Sharks’ Tom Curry was at No 8 in the autumn but open-side is his preferred position
Marcus Smith and his telepathic club affiliation could improve the national team. It feels like it is time to discover if Smith can become a “Test matchanimal”.
Sam Underhill has been injured once more so perhaps it is best to continue with Lawes on blindside. However, a change to lock would allow for a very mobile England pack. Alfie Barbeary is a versatile player who can make an impact on the bench.
Jones knows that it’s crucial for Murrayfield to be in balance on Saturday of the Six Nations.
Scotland has the potential to surpass England in the future if they are disorganized or depowered, which was the case last year at Twickenham, where the heroics of Hamish, Jamie Ritchie and Jonny Grey paved the path for an historic victory.
Edinburgh is in for an unexpected surprise. Jones is given 10 days to quickly solve problems and then name a team who can deal with this highly hazardous assignment. Farrell replacement is just one piece of an extremely complicated selection problem.
TV DEAL IS A STEP in THE RIGHT DIRECTION
The news that Premiership matches would be shown again on terrestrial television is an important step in properly promoting domestic football. Because the league is not well-known outside its core areas, it has an extremely low profile in the general public. The ITV deal for live and highlights coverage of June’s final is a great boost.
Simon Massie Taylor is the new chief executive at New Premiership Rugby.
While it is an excellent start, there are still many things to be done. Premiership Rugby Limited (PRL), it is time to establish connections, influence constructively, and extinguish the culture of secrecy.
Martyn Phillips, former chief executive of WRU, was elected chair for Premiership Rugby last year
The game needs good governance more than ever and PRL have often been perceived as being a divisive, aloof faction — in relation to player release for the Lions, the overhaul of European events, handling of salary cap investigations and a pay-for-entry attitude to promotion and expansion.
It is still early, but the PRL hierarchy of Massie Taylor and Martyn Phillips may emerge as leaders capable of driving positive reputational changes.
BACK BRISTOL BEARS
Bristol are back. The Bears seem to have overcome whatever was bothering them. This is evident by their victory in Llanelli with 52-21 over the Scarlets.
They displayed a mixture of creativity, ruthlessness and creativeness as they worked through the gears to destroy their Welsh rivals.
Ioan Lloyd set the tone for Ioan before he had to leave injured. He received warm applause from Wayne Pivac.
Pat Lam’s team made 5 tries in 18 minutes. Bristol had two strikes that time. They were both long-range, artistic works full of offloading brilliance.
Ioan Lloyd had set the tone before he was injured and received warm applause by Wayne Pivac. The Wales coach shouldn’t clap him. He should choose the young, electric player, who can operate from inside center and at 10 on either the wings or full back.
Granted, this versatility might mean he is not considered a specialist in any one position for now but the 20-year-old has rare attacking talent and is worthy of more Test caps — soon.
England recalls George Ford to replace Owen Farrell, the injured captain. Eddie Jones prepares for Six Nations Campaign with George Ford
- Eddie Jones, England coach, has brought fly-half George Ford back into the fold
- Although he was in great form, the 77-cap Star was initially left out
- Owen Farrell was injured on the ground training and could miss the Six Nations.
England recalls George Ford in order to cover the injury gap left by Owen Farrell. Ford will be joining the squad at the National Squad’s training camp this week.
Eddie Jones chose the Leicester 28-year-old fly-half, despite him being widely hailed as form 10 this season.
He was also absent last week as the head coach named 36 players for preparations for the Six Nations. While there was no place for Ford, uncapped Bath rookie Orlando Bailey was included, along with Marcus Smith — England’s primary playmaker during the successful November campaign.
England has recalled George Ford ahead of the Six Nations campaign
But, the drama has gotten even more dramatic with news of captain Farrell’s injury on Saracens’ training-ground.
Ford is now in a position to save his international career.
SportsmailAccording to sources, the veteran of the 77-cap war has been called to Brighton camp and will be reviewed by the RFU Monday.
England will also have to name an acting captain, and Courtney Lawes has been impressive in that capacity during his autumn triumphs over South Africa (Tonga) and South Africa (South Africa).
Smith’s absence will cause competition, but Smith is expected to be there for Smith. The Quins prodigy still intends to sport the England No10 shirt in the Six Nations opener at Murrayfield against Scotland this Saturday.
Eddie Jones originally left Ford, a very experienced and skilled fly-half with a 77-capacity, out.
Jones had appointed Farrell his skipper and was determined to restore the plan to have Smith join him in the 10-12 alliance. However, Jones’ vision was thwarted by an unfortunate and seemingly innocuous incident.
Farrell, who had been out of action since November due to surgery on his left foot, was expected to return yesterday for Saracens.
Unfortunately for the 30-year-old a collision in training has resulted in an injury to his other ankle — as revealed by SportsmailOn Saturday.
Mark McCall, Saracens director of rugby explained the situation. He has a right ankle injury, and he will see a specialist early in the week to determine the length of his absence.
“I doubt he will be available to play in the Scotland match. It’s obvious that he is extremely, very disappointed. It’s cruel. It’s not common for him to be injured.
Captain Owen Farrell (pictured) has been hurt and will not be able to make the tournament.
“It occurred at the end the training session, and it was an accident. He was standing on someone else’s feet and fell on their ankles. We’ll see the doctor and wait to see if the Six Nations can allow him to participate.
He would have enjoyed this weekend. After a tough training session, he looked ready and motivated to take on the weekend.
“It occurred right at the final when we did additional back-line plays without opposition. He is really hurt and it’s very cruel. He’s strong and it won’t take him that long, I think. We’ll see.’
Jones is now absorbing one of last year’s Six Nations mistakes, which saw England go in with poorly-cooked players. They lost three games before finishing fifth.
The head coach seems determined to make sure that his team is ready for the game.
Alex Sanderson, Director of Rugby revealed that England may release Tom Curry for Sunday’s Premiership match against Leicester.
Sanderson stated that he has more work to do next week. He might stay back for a little more game time, but that’s up to Eddie. In the past few weeks, he hasn’t been playing a lot.