England matches set to go behind paywall as BBC lose broadcast rights

Saturday, 27 September 2025 at 11:10

byRugby Rucker

England matches set to go behind TNT Sports is in advanced talks to secure the rights for a thrilling new competition that will feature England — signalling a major shift in rugby coverage in the UK.

The inaugural Nations Cup is set to kick off next year, bringing together the Six Nations sides, the four Rugby Championship teams, as well as Japan and Fiji.

While no broadcaster has yet been confirmed for the 2026 edition, The Telegraph reports TNT Sports is already in discussions to secure rights.

Currently, TNT Sports holds coverage of the Gallagher Premiership and Autumn Nations Series, but the broadcaster is aiming to expand into more global rugby events.

Scott Young, Executive Vice President of Warner Bros Discovery Sports Europe — TNT’s parent company — confirmed:

“We’ve had discussions, we’re continuing discussions; there’s no resolution yet but we’ve had one Autumn Nations Series, we’re about to enter into another.

“We’re always open to looking at opportunities but right now that’s not finalised. That’s the conversation that’s in flight.

“We want to finish that conversation and work out where the resolution goes first. That is the natural progression for us.

“We’re very supportive of the [Nations Cup] format that has been presented. It’ll be a better narrative for the audience to understand.

“Friendlies are fantastic but if it’s bound together as part of a competition, it gives it more meaning. And who doesn’t love a trophy lift?”

BIG SHIFT: BBC Lose England Six Nations Matches

A seismic change is coming to Six Nations coverage in the UK, with the BBC losing the rights to England’s men’s matches under a new four-year deal running from 2026–2029.

The agreement, announced jointly by the BBC and ITV, reshapes how the tournament will be broadcast for fans across the country.

England Moves to ITV
ITV will become the exclusive home of England’s Six Nations fixtures, broadcasting all of the team’s matches live. That means ten games per season — every England match plus a selection of other high-profile fixtures.

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 share of the men’s tournament, the BBC retains full rights for other competitions.

The BBC will continue to broadcast the Women’s Six Nations and the Under-20 Six Nations across TV, digital, and online platforms, plus exclusive radio commentary via BBC Sounds and BBC Radio.

Free-to-Air Guarantee
Despite the changes, fans will still be able to watch the men’s Six Nations without a paywall thanks to the joint BBC–ITV arrangement.

Four Springboks and one England star in 2025 World XV

The British & Irish Lions may have returned from Australia with a 2–1 series victory, but selection into the current World XV has been far less generous.

Despite Maro Itoje leading the side to glory as captain, only four Lions make the cut—evidence that while the tour was successful on the scoreboard, it didn’t necessarily produce a team packed with the form players of world rugby.

South Africa and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.

2025 World XV

1. Ox Nché (South Africa — Loose-head Prop)

The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)

Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.

3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand — Tight-head Prop)

Now firmly established as the All Blacks’ anchor on the tight-head side, Lomax offers brute force in the scrum and strong contributions in the loose. His work rate around the field complements his set-piece reliability.

4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)

A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.

5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)

Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.

6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)

A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)

Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.

8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)

A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.

9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)

The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)

Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.

11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)

Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.

12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)

Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.

13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)

Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.

14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)

Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.

15. Tom Wright (Australia — Fullback)

Australia’s dependable fullback brings a sharp counter-attacking game and safe hands under the high ball. His positional play and attacking awareness make him a key figure in the Wallabies backline.