MARO ITOJE LEADS England into what could be the final Six Nations shown on terrestrial television, in the UK at least, with a call to organisers to prioritise the game’s reach when considering the next broadcast deal.
The BBC and ITV have shared the UK TV rights since 2016, but their contract ends after the current tournament and TNT Sports has confirmed it is considering bidding for 2026 onwards.
For the first time the game’s biggest draw outside the World Cup faces the prospect of going behind a paywall, but Itoje insists it must remain free-to-air.
“The Six Nations should be viewed by as many people as possible,” said the England captain ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Dublin.
“I grew up watching the Six Nations on the BBC and on ITV. The fact that it’s been on free-to-air…I think rugby needs more eyes on it, not less.
“Obviously I’m not involved in the finances of the deals, but even though international rugby is massive, the sport should be looking at ways to be more accessible to more people, as opposed to the opposite.”
Saturday’s Aviva Stadium showdown promises to be a blockbuster start to the rivals’ title bids, with the outcome setting the tone for the remainder of their campaigns.
Ireland enter as strong favourites and are out for revenge after they were edged 23-22 in dramatic circumstances at Allianz Stadium last year. Few are backing England to cause an upset, but Itoje insists that only adds to the motivation.
“When people write you off it always gets the juices flowing a little bit, whether that’s in sport or when my teachers predicted me to get lower grades than I eventually got!” Itoje said.
“It always gives you a little bit of extra motivation and a bit more anticipation for what you can do and what you can achieve.
“You definitely have to give Ireland respect. You see their strength and acknowledge where they are good.
“But when you play any team, you don’t put them on a pedestal. We believe in our team, we believe in what we can do. It’s just our job to go and do it.”
England enter the Six Nations on the back of a poor 2024 which produced only five wins in 12 Tests, although on three occasions they fell to late defeats to New Zealand, while also losing narrowly to France and Australia.
“What last year has shown us is that, despite the results not going our way, if you were to watch the games, most people would see the potential of the team,” Itoje said.
“As players, we believe in what we’re doing, we believe in what we’re about and now our part of the bargain is to get over the line.
“We put ourselves in positions to win most, if not all of the games, but for varying reasons we didn’t.
“Ultimately we didn’t take our opportunity when it arose. Our job is to make sure that when those moments come, we take them.
“In games you have a finite amount of chances. If you don’t take your chances then you’re not going to win.”
Nankivell is expected back for the weekend. That will be a massive boost
Munster Vs Leinster final would be amazing!
@Oran Burns: Some occassion alright but a bit of work to do to get there!
@Oran Burns: there is a really tough semi final to be negotiated. If the players think like you (looking to a potential final with Leinster) they will almost certainly be undone by Glasgow. If the last year teaches Irish rugby fans anything, it is not to look past the next game. The rest takes care of itself.
@seamus Beirne: jaysus the OP just said a Munster Leinster final would be amazing. And he’s right. It would be. He never said it was happening. The match isn’t played in the42 comments section.
@seamus Beirne: don’t worry. There is no fear of me playing on Saturday!
Fans can dream players need to be focused!
@Andrew Martin Farrell: @Andrew Martin Farrell: that is as maybe.
I have seen this throughout the RWC in particular when so much narrative was devoted to what could be happening . I just think it is silly commentary in the week leading up to a SF against a really challenging opponent. That is what this week’s posts should centre on? If you disagree fine, I am not bothered either way. I am a one match at a time fan – an old fashioned type boll&x I suppose who doesn’t believe in getting ahead of oneself – dreams of “amazing” match ups notwithstanding.
@seamus Beirne: Munster don’t seam to have a promblem with one match at a time, if they get past Glasgow the best result for them in the other semi final is a draw and extra time.
Glasgow are in a similar position to Munster last year in that no one really gives them a chance of winning in Thomond. That being the case they can come over and play with no fear where as champions all the pressure is on Munster at home. Should make for a cracking match!