Under a new four-year broadcasting deal running from 2026 to 2029, the BBC will no longer hold the rights to broadcast England’s men’s Six Nations matches.
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Announced jointly by the BBC and ITV, the revised agreement changes the way the tournament will be shown on free-to-air TV in the UK.
England Moves to ITV
ITV will become the exclusive home of England games in the Six Nations, broadcasting all of the team’s fixtures live. In total, ITV will carry ten matches per season, covering every England game and a selection of other high-profile encounters.
This means that for the first time in decades, the BBC will not screen any England men’s Six Nations games.
BBC Retains a Share of Coverage
The BBC will continue to show five matches each season, focusing on Scotland and Wales fixtures not involving England. While this represents a reduced slice of the men’s tournament, the corporation will keep comprehensive rights for other competitions.
The BBC remains the home of the Women’s Six Nations and the Under-20 Six Nations across television, digital and online platforms, alongside exclusive radio commentary of all matches on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio.
Free-to-Air Guarantee
Despite the changes, fans will still be able to watch the men’s Six Nations live without a paywall. The joint partnership between the two broadcasters guarantees free-to-air coverage of every match through to 2029.
A Shift in Tradition
The BBC has been synonymous with Six Nations coverage for generations, but the new split underscores how major sporting rights are increasingly shared between broadcasters.
For English rugby supporters, ITV will now be the destination for every key clash, including the Calcutta Cup, the Grand Slam deciders, and matches against France, Ireland, Wales and Italy.
The change marks a significant moment in UK sports broadcasting — one that highlights both the enduring appeal of the Six Nations and the shifting balance of power between the country’s traditional free-to-air broadcasters.
Gabby Logan: Staying Positive
“You know I love Six Nations rugby - I think I once called it the perfect sporting championships,” she wrote.
“Taking us around six amazing capitals from winter to spring, the regional rivalry, extraordinary sporting encounters, big hits and collisions, flair and finesse. It never disappoints.
"So happy that we get to be part of it for four more years.”
2026 Six Nations Fixtures Announced: England Set for Dream Start
The 2026 Six Nations fixtures have officially been confirmed — and England fans are in for a dream start.
? 2026 Six Nations Fixtures: Round-by-Round Guide
ROUND 1
Thursday 5th February 2026
?? France v Ireland
? Venue TBC
? Kick-off: 8:10pm
?? France v Ireland
? Venue TBC
? Kick-off: 8:10pm
Saturday 7th February 2026
?? Italy v Scotland
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
?? Italy v Scotland
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
?️ England v Wales
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
ROUND 2
Saturday 14th February 2026
☘️ Ireland v Italy
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
☘️ Ireland v Italy
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
? Scotland v England
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
Sunday 15th February 2026
? Wales v France
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 3:10pm
? Wales v France
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 3:10pm
ROUND 3
Saturday 21st February 2026
?️ England v Ireland
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
?️ England v Ireland
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
? Wales v Scotland
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
Sunday 22nd February 2026
?? France v Italy
? Decathlon Arena, Lille
? Kick-off: 3:10pm
?? France v Italy
? Decathlon Arena, Lille
? Kick-off: 3:10pm
ROUND 4
Friday 6th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Wales
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm
☘️ Ireland v Wales
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm
Saturday 7th March 2026
? Scotland v France
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
? Scotland v France
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
?? Italy v England
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
ROUND 5 – Super Saturday
Saturday 14th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Scotland
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
☘️ Ireland v Scotland
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm
? Wales v Italy
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm
?? France v England
? Venue TBC
? Kick-off: 8:10pm
? Venue TBC
? Kick-off: 8:10pm
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