'I am sad about it' - Brian Moore reveals real reason behind BBC axing

BBC co-commentator Brian Moore has revealed that he is ‘sad’ over his exit from his long-held BBC Six Nations commentating role, which will effectively come to an end this weekend.

The Calcutta Cup match will be his last as a commentator for the broadcaster, a move he confirmed yesterday on Twitter.

Moore has now revealed in his Telegraph column the reason behind his departure, which apparently comes down to rights. The BBC and ITV are sharing rights to the tournament, with ‘Auntie’ getting none of England’s home games.

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“It’s going to be an emotional day for me because, after about two decades of co-commentating on men’s Six Nations matches, Saturday’s will be my final one,” wrote Moore.

“I am sad about it, but that’s the way it goes. It’s a consequence of the way the rights have fallen. With the recent broadcast deal announcement and the BBC getting fewer games, and none of England’s home ones – plus any number of commentators and presenters to accommodate – it’s not easy.

“I can understand it. The BBC has a regional remit. So when they’ve got Scotland and Wales home games people want to hear from a local co-commentator.”

Moore has been the only causality, with Jeremy Guscott also stepping down from his punditry role to “focus on other business interests”.

The BBC’s new panel will still include Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies, Gabby Logan, Dylan Hartley, Sam Warburton and Martin Johnson.

Yesterday Moore bid farewell to the role on social media, paying tribute to Eddie Butler in particular.

“My England career began with a Calcutta Cup, and my BBC co-comms career on the Men’s 6 Nations will end on Saturday with another,” wrote the 60-year-old firebrand, who’s become one of the platform’s most-followed rugby union accounts.

“Thank you to all at BBC Sport, especially my mate, Eddie Butler. It’s been a privilege to work on some unforgettable sporting occasions.”

He will now be concentrating on women’s rugby.

“I’m pleased to say I will be working on the Women’s 6 Nations coverage. My commitment to women’s rugby goes back as far as 1991, helping the England forwards.

“Women’s rugby is the key to sustaining all rugby long term, and I’m proud to still be involved.”

A British and Irish Lion of two tours, Moore won 64 caps for England between 1987 and 1995.