Done deal.

Six Nations Rugby, alongside each of its Unions and Federations, have confirmed a new and enhanced set of free-to-air partnerships.

These will deliver live coverage of the Six Nations Championships in the UK from 2026 through to 2029.

ITV and BBC will share the free-to-air live coverage of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, offering fans access to rugby’s most prestigious annual Championship across TV and digital platforms. Both broadcasters have worked with Six Nations Rugby to agree a new and innovative partnership, to deliver coverage that builds on the year-on-year audience growth that the Six Nations is generating.

ITV will show ten fixtures per year over the next four years, including every single England fixture in each edition of the Championship. The BBC will deliver coverage of five Guinness Men’s Six Nations fixtures per year, including every Scotland and Wales home match, except when each nation is hosting England when the fixture will be broadcast on ITV.

As a longstanding supporter of women’s rugby, the BBC has also secured the media rights to every fixture of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations in the UK until 2029, with coverage spanning TV and iPlayer.

Similarly, the U20 Six Nations will be available on BBC platforms for the next four years. The BBC will also hold the audio rights for the Men’s, Women’s, and U20s Championships, meaning fans will be able to enjoy extensive international rugby coverage across radio, BBC Sounds, and online platforms.

Commenting on the confirmation of the new free-to-air partnerships to broadcast the Six Nations Championships in the UK, Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, said:

“The significance of these new and innovative free to air partnerships for the Six Nations cannot be overstated. By strengthening rugby’s relationships with ITV and the BBC, the sport can continue to give as many fans as possible in the UK access to enjoy live coverage of the Six Nations. These partnerships allow us to maximise audience reach whilst generating critical revenue for the game, enabling each Union and Federation to protect and grow the sport in their country in the coming years.

“The increased commitment from the free to air sector is testament to the appeal and status of our iconic Championships. The commercial environment in which rugby is operating is extremely challenging and the battle for audience attention has never been greater, but the Six Nations stands alongside the greatest occasions in world sport, which is reflected by these partnerships.

“Going into another incredible conclusion to the Men’s Championship, all parties are incredibly excited to build on this momentum and audience growth, to deliver the best possible experience for fans over the next four years.”

Further media rights partnerships will be announced in due course, including coverage in France, Italy, Ireland, the provision of Welsh-language coverage, and worldwide distribution of the Six Nations Championships.