BBC Close to Agreeing Six Nations Rugby Rights Extension

July 13, 2011

The BBC is close to agreeing an extension of its contract with Six Nations rugby.

It is understood that the deal will secure the rights for four years from 2013, capsule when the current contract expires, site to broadcast the tournament which includes England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy.

The news comes despite the BBC being forced to make cuts in its sport programming. Some sports will have to be cut from the already-reduced portfolio, with the US$64million-a-year Formula One contract the favourite to be slashed when the contract expires.

The Six Nations is easier for the BBC to justify as the involvement of Wales, Scotland and Ireland – as well as England – means it satisfies the BBC charter requirement to reach the “nations and regions”.

Friday night matches will be abandoned next season, with games restricted to Saturday and Sunday afternoons.