In a major development for rugby union fans across the United Kingdom, broadcaster ITV has tabled a substantial bid exceeding £80 million for the rights to the inaugural Nations Championship. This move positions the tournament to be shown on free-to-air terrestrial television, marking a significant shift in the sport's broadcasting landscape.
The Battle for Broadcasting Rights
The bid sees ITV in direct competition with TNT Sports, which was initially considered the frontrunner to secure the new competition. Sources indicate that ITV's offer may have been successful for the first two editions of the championship. If finalised, this deal would ensure that all Six Nations matches and Nations Championship fixtures are available on free-to-air TV in the UK until at least 2029.
This represents a considerable expansion of ITV's current rugby portfolio. The broadcaster already holds the rights to England's Six Nations matches as part of a joint £63 million agreement with the BBC. The new Nations Championship is set to launch next autumn, replacing the traditional summer international tours and the Quilter Nations Series.
A "Tectonic Shift" for Global Rugby
The tournament itself promises a new format for international rugby. It will feature a 12-team competition culminating in a high-stakes finals weekend. The first of these finals is scheduled to be held in London. Six Nations chief executive Tom Harrison has previously characterised the competition as a "tectonic shift in the sport".
"The world's biggest and best Championships are defined by intense sporting drama, and the Nations Championship will stand alongside these," Harrison stated during the tournament's unveiling. He emphasised that the Finals Weekend would add a new dimension for supporters, create a spectacular event, crown champions, and act as a catalyst to grow rugby's global reach.
Implications and Wider Coverage
This potential deal could be seen as a setback for TNT Sports, which recently bolstered its rugby offering by adding the Quilter Nations Series to its portfolio. The development underscores the high value and appeal of top-tier international rugby union.
Furthermore, the competition's reach is expected to be broadened by separate deals with free-to-air broadcasters in Ireland and France, ensuring extensive terrestrial coverage across key European markets. This multi-nation approach has been years in the making and aims to maximise viewership for the new championship.
For UK fans, the prospect of the Nations Championship being on ITV means major rugby events, including England's demanding three-week summer tour featuring matches against the world champion Springboks in South Africa, followed by fixtures against Fiji, Argentina, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, could all be accessible without a subscription.
