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MPs get stuck into Six Nations over TV rights bidding process

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

MPs are demanding answers from Six Nations organisers over its bidding process for broadcasting rights amid reports the competition could be about to go off free-to-air television.

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Sky are reported to be interested in securing the rights to the tournament, which is currently shared between the BBC and ITV.

However, it is reported that joint bids will not be permitted for the next tender process, which would appear to put Sky in a good position to acquire the rights.

Julian Knight, the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, has written to Six Nations Council chairman John Jeffrey to express his concerns.

The tournament is currently listed as a Category B event under the 1996 Broadcasting Act, which means it can be shown on pay television provided highlights packages are made available free-to-air.

(Continue reading below…)

Jim Hamilton discusses the ramifications of Six Nations going behind a TV paywall

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“It’s of huge concern to see there is a bidding war that could take the Six Nations behind a paywall,” Knight said in a DCMS comittee press release, separate to the letter.

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“Charging rugby fans to watch the tournament on TV would go against the spirit of broadcasting rules intended to ensure that sporting events like this are freely available to all.

“We’re demanding answers about the process and want reassurance about reports that suggest the favourite to win with a multi-million pound bid would take the Six Nations off terrestrial screens.

“We cannot allow this to be a deal done behind closed doors. Fans have a stake in this and a right to know what’s going on.”

– Press Association 

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J
JD 1 hour ago
Steve Borthwick urged by predecessor to make radical Ben Earl decision

Happy to concede I mis read stats in relation to games played. Sorry about that.


Ojomoh is only a guaranteed starter when Redpath isn’t injured for Bath. Luckily for him Redpath is has been quite injury prone recently, but when Cam is fit, he starts. I like him, but he doesn’t have the second playmaker ability which England seem to prefer at 12.


Seb has not even made the A’s squad and is a long way from a call up. 2 years is too soon.


I’m not going to change my mind in respect of BJVR, mainly because I do not see his age as an issue (30 at the next world cup) and because I don’t see the issue with selecting players who are qualified for our country.


He fits the bill perfectly in terms of his skillset and type of play, he has been playing at the top level of club rugby for the last 6 years or so and is regarded as one of the best in our league in his position, starting week in/ week out for the second placed team.


If he was 33 or so at the next world cup, or if his form went off a cliff, I would agree with you. Neither of these are the case. If his form continues, he comes into the squad. No pressure to immediately excel as there will be around 10 games between a potential first cap and the WC.


Main mistake being made, regardless of the above, is SB persisting with Slade. Why not give Ojomoh a go now and see? Why not try Dingwall? Steve’s run of poor results mean he has slightly lost the ability to try different things unless we get some wins. I expect Ojomoh to tour Argentina in the summer though.

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