Six Nations goes behind paywall for the first time next month
Rugby NewsSaturday, 10 January 2026 at 13:04
Subscription broadcaster moves into rugby’s biggest annual tournament – but free-to-air coverage remains intact for now.
Premier Sports have confirmed a new deal to broadcast five matches from this year’s Guinness Six Nations, including all three of Wales’ home fixtures.
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? Matches on Premier Sports
Premier Sports will broadcast:
Importantly, all five matches will also be shown on the BBC, meaning fans will not lose access to free-to-air coverage. Wales’ matches will additionally be available on S4C.
⚠️ What Does This Mean for the Future?
While this year’s coverage remains protected, Premier Sports’ involvement has raised fresh questions about the long-term future of the Six Nations on terrestrial TV.
The BBC and ITV have shared Six Nations rights since 2015, after teaming up to block a bid from Sky Sports. Since then:
Last year, amid rumours of interest from TNT Sports, BBC and ITV secured a new deal running until 2029, ensuring the tournament stays free-to-air.
? Premier Sports’ Rugby Expansion
Premier Sports have steadily expanded their rugby footprint in recent seasons. The broadcaster already holds rights to:
They also confirmed a strong punditry lineup for the Six Nations, including Tom Shanklin, Andy Goode, Jim Hamiltonand Ryan Wilson.
?️ What They Said
Premier Sports CEO Richard Sweeney said:
“The Guinness Men’s Six Nations is one of the crown jewels of international rugby… We’re delighted to bring these outstanding fixtures to our customers and growing rugby network.”
He added that the deal represents another step in Premier Sports’ wider rugby strategy, following audience growth through their Champions Cup and Top 14 coverage.
? The Big Picture
For now, fans won’t miss out – every Six Nations match remains free-to-air in 2026.
But Premier Sports’ growing influence suggests the broadcast landscape could look very different in future tournaments.
But Premier Sports’ growing influence suggests the broadcast landscape could look very different in future tournaments.
Full 2026 Six Nations Fixtures
ROUND 1
Thursday 5th February 2026
Saturday 7th February 2026
ROUND 2
Saturday 14th February 2026
- Ireland v Italy – Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 2:10pm
- Scotland v England – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh – 4:40pm
Sunday 15th February 2026
- Wales v France – Principality Stadium, Cardiff – 3:10pm
ROUND 3
Saturday 21st February 2026
- England v Ireland – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham – 2:10pm
- Wales v Scotland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff – 4:40pm
Sunday 22nd February 2026
- France v Italy – Decathlon Arena, Lille – 3:10pm
ROUND 4
Friday 6th March 2026
- Ireland v Wales – Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 8:10pm
Saturday 7th March 2026
- Scotland v France – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh – 2:10pm
- Italy v England – Stadio Olimpico, Rome – 4:40pm
ROUND 5
Saturday 14th March 2026
- Ireland v Scotland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 2:10pm
- Wales v Italy – Principality Stadium, Cardiff – 4:40pm
- France v England – Stade de France, Paris – 8:10pm
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