This shake-up paves the way for positive change and rugby reaching new audiences
Rugby supporters across the Midlands will see a major shift in how they watch the Six Nations after the BBC lost the rights to broadcast England’s matches.
A new four‑year deal, running from 2026 to 2029, hands exclusive coverage of England’s fixtures to ITV, ending one of the most familiar partnerships in British sport.
The move reshapes the winter viewing habits of fans from Birmingham to the Black Country, where the Six Nations has long been a weekend telly staple for those not lcuky enough to get tickets.
ITV tightens its hold on major sport
Under the new agreement, ITV will screen every England match live, alongside several other headline fixtures. For Midlands viewers, it means England’s entire campaign will sit on one channel for the first time in decades.
ITV welcomed the deal, saying it would allow them to “deliver free‑to‑air live coverage across ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, plus highlights and exclusive content on ITV Sport social accounts and YouTube.”
As a ex-player and long‑time supporter of the tournament, I see this as a refreshing change, disrupting the status quo and heralding in what could be a great new chapter for rugby.
I expect a new style and approach to the coverage and I’m looking forward to seeing the choice of reporters and a shift in the tone of the analysis.
Gabby Logan responds with measured optimism
BBC presenter Gabby Logan, a familiar face of the tournament, praised the Six Nations as one of sport’s great annual journeys and stressed her delight that the BBC will continue to play a role in the wider tournament, even if England’s fixtures are moving elsewhere.
Spare a thought for Wales, who face a tough road back
The release of the 2026 fixtures has sparked debate in pubs and clubs across the region. Wales, in particular, face a brutal opening fortnight: a trip to Twickenham followed by a home clash with a powerful French side.
With England’s matches now moving exclusively to ITV, the shift will be felt in households from Wolverhampton to Solihull, but many Midlands fans, like Cadman, believe a fresh approach could reinvigorate the tournament’s coverage.
