Broadcaster confirmed for the Autumn Internationals: How to watch on TV

Monday, 21 October 2024 at 10:17

byRugby Rucker

The
Autumn Internationals, officially known as the Autumn Nations Series, brings together the heavyweights of northern and southern hemisphere rugby for a month packed with thrilling clashes.

Whether you're cheering on your team from the comfort of your home or following the action on the radio, here’s how you can stay connected.

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How to Watch in the UK and Ireland

For fans in the UK and Ireland, the Autumn Nations Series is a must-watch, but there’s a catch—no free-to-air broadcasts. TNT Sports and discovery+ have exclusive live coverage of every game. If you prefer listening to the action, BBC Radio 5 Live has the radio rights locked down, keeping you updated with play-by-play coverage.

French Fans: Les Bleus on TF1, All Matches on beIN SPORT

In France, Les Bleus supporters can tune in to TF1 for every home game. Want to catch all the action? beIN SPORT has you covered with every match from the series, offering full access to the tournament beyond France’s fixtures.

Italy: Sky Italia Has It All

Italian rugby fans are in luck. Sky Italia continues its exclusive coverage, offering every single game from the Autumn Nations Series, ensuring you won’t miss a second of the action.

Key Law Changes to Watch For

The 2024 series isn’t just about the teams—it’s also about some exciting law trials.

The 20-Minute Red Card

Perhaps the most talked-about change is the introduction of the 20-minute red card. Designed for “technical offences,” this rule allows a player to be replaced after 20 minutes. But don't worry—serious foul play still results in permanent dismissal.

Countdown Clocks and Referee Mic’d Up

Expect to see countdown clocks for scrums and line-outs, speeding up the game. Referees will also be mic’d up, explaining key decisions to the crowd, giving fans deeper insights into those game-changing moments.

Autumn internationals fixtures

(All times GMT)

Week one

Saturday, November 2

England v New Zealand, Twickenham, 3.10pm
Scotland v Fiji, Murrayfield, 5.40pm

Week two

Friday, November 8

Ireland v New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, 8.10pm

Saturday, November 9

England v Australia, Twickenham, 3.10pm
Italy v Argentina, Stadio Friuli (Udine), 5.40pm
France v Japan, Stade de France, 8.10pm

Sunday, November 10

Wales v Fiji, Principality Stadium, 1.40pm
Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield, 4.10pm

Week three

Friday, November 15

Ireland v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, 8.10pm

Saturday, November 16

Scotland v Portugal, Murrayfield, 3.10pm
England v South Africa, Twickenham, 5.40pm
France v New Zealand, Stade de France, 8.10pm

Sunday, November 17

Italy v Georgia, Stadio Luigi Ferraris (Genoa), 1.40pm
Wales v Australia, Principality Stadium, 4.10pm

Week four

Friday, November 22

France v Argentina, Stade de France, 8.10pm

Saturday, November 23

Ireland v Fiji, Aviva Stadium, 3.10pm
Wales v South Africa, Principality Stadium, 5.40pm
Italy v New Zealand, Allianz Stadium (Turin), 8.10pm

Sunday, November 24

Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield, 1.40pm
England v Japan, Twickenham, 4.10pm

Week five

Saturday, November 30

Ireland v Australia, Aviva Stadium, 3.10pm

Danny Care selects his British & Irish Lions XV, picks the “best scrum-half”

In a Lions XV selection that’s sure to spark some heated pub debates, Danny Care – yes, the man with over 100 caps for England – has handpicked his “best scrum-half” for next summer’s tour to Australia.

Spoiler alert: it’s not a Welshman. In fact, there’s not a single Welsh player in the entire lineup! Care and fellow former England international Mark Atkinson have chosen a squad packed with English and Irish stars, leaving the Welsh out in the cold.

Tomos Williams Tease – The One Welshman Who Almost Made It

Williams was the only Welsh name brought up on Care's Hits Different podcast, with Atkinson saying, “I’ve seen a big impact from him joining Gloucester. He’s got 40-odd Wales caps [58 now], and if there’s one Welsh player to make the tour, it’s him.” But even that wasn't enough to earn him a place in their Lions XV.

Care, meanwhile, was clear in his verdict: Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park is "the best scrum-half" around, with Alex Mitchell close behind. Sorry, Tomos!

Smith vs Russell: English Flair Wins the 10 Battle

The surprises didn’t stop there – Care and Atkinson picked England’s Marcus Smith over Scotland's Finn Russell at No. 10, while the midfield saw a bruising combination of Ireland’s Bundee Aki and England’s Ollie Lawrence.

Feyi-Waboso? Yes, Please!

Another shocker? The Cardiff-born Immanuel Feyi-Waboso made the wing, alongside Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe. And, to cap it all off, England’s George Furbank took the full-back spot over Ireland's Hugo Keenan

Danny Care and Mark Atkinson’s Lions XV:

15. George Furbank: An agile fullback known for his versatility and impressive kicking game, Furbank has made a name for himself with his ability to read the game and contribute in attack and defense.

14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: A rising star in the rugby scene, Feyi-Waboso is recognized for his explosive speed and powerful running style, making him a significant threat on the wing.

13. Ollie Lawrence: A dynamic centre with a strong physical presence, Lawrence excels in breaking tackles and creating space for his teammates, contributing both defensively and offensively.

12. Bundee Aki: A seasoned centre known for his robust tackling and strong ball-carrying abilities, Aki brings experience and leadership to the midfield, often acting as a key playmaker.

11. Duhan van der Merwe: A powerful wing with a knack for scoring tries, van der Merwe combines size with speed, making him a difficult player to stop in one-on-one situations.

10. Marcus Smith: A talented fly-half known for his creativity and tactical awareness, Smith is adept at orchestrating play and has a keen eye for gap opportunities in the defense.

9. Jamison Gibson-Park: A sharp and agile scrum-half, Gibson-Park is recognised for his quick decision-making and ability to control the pace of the game, making him a vital link between forwards and backs.

1. Ellis Genge: A formidable loosehead prop with a strong scrummaging technique, Genge is also known for his ball-carrying abilities and aggression in the contact area.

2. Jamie George: An experienced hooker, George is a key figure in the scrum and lineout, combining technical skill with strong leadership qualities, often serving as a stabilizing force in the forward pack.

3. Tadhg Furlong: One of the world's premier tighthead props, Furlong is renowned for his scrummaging prowess and ability to contribute to open play, showcasing exceptional athleticism for his position.

4. Maro Itoje: A dynamic lock with exceptional physicality and athleticism, Itoje is a key defensive player, known for his ability to disrupt opposition ball and make crucial tackles.

5. Tadhg Beirne: A versatile forward capable of playing both lock and flanker, Beirne is recognized for his work rate, breakdown skills, and ability to contribute to the team's attacking play.

6. Courtney Lawes: A powerful and athletic second-row, Lawes is known for his aggressive tackling and leadership on the field, providing both physical presence and strategic insight to the team.

7. Josh van der Flier: A tireless openside flanker, van der Flier is known for his exceptional work rate and ability to make crucial turnovers, often leading the defensive efforts.

8. Caelan Doris (captain): As the captain of the team, Doris is a dynamic back-row player known for his physicality and leadership skills, playing a crucial role in both defense and attack, while also motivating his teammates.