THE Six Nations looks like it will continue on free-to-air TV in Ireland.
There were fears that it would disappear from terrestrial TV in Ireland and the UK after it emerged that TNT Sport was considering a move for the rights.
However, according to RTE, a new broadcast deal is set to keep it on free-to-air television until 2029 at least.
Per the report, RTE and Virgin Media are closing in on a new four-year rights package with tournament organisers.
It would see the two Irish channels share coverage, and will see all 15 games in the Six Nations available to watch for free for rugby supporters in Ireland.
The Women‘s Six Nations and U20 Six Nations are also set to be included in the package, equating to a total of 45 games available.
It comes after organisers announced that BBC and ITV had secured broadcast rights in the UK from 2026 through to 2029.
Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, commented: “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, including in Ireland, will be announced in due course.
Simon Easterby‘s men conclude their 2025 campaign away to Italy on Saturday afternoon.
The defending champions are likely to relinquish their crown after their Grand Slam hopes were quashed by France in Dublin.
A Championship win is a long-shot – Ireland would need to win well and then hope England fail to get a bonus point win against Wales, and France lose to Scotland.
It will be the final game in the international careers of Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray, while fellow retiree has travelled but won’t be involved.
And captain Caelan Doris called for his teammates to give the veteran trio the perfect swansong.
He said: “Given the three lads finishing up, obviously last week was very disappointing and it changes the nature of the end of it.
“But for us it’s still about finishing with our best performance, the rest is out of our control.
“But the three lads, what they’ve contributed, the group we have, we really want to finish with our best performance yet and that’s been a key theme through the week.
“We’re getting excited about a special weekend over here with our best performance yet in front of, I believe there are 25,000 or 30,000 Irish travelling over, which will be incredibly special.”
