Six Nations announce surprise broadcast deal as major player grows rugby portfolio

Louis Chapman Coombe 07 Jan 2026 3:10 PM

France lift the trophy after winning the 2025 Six Nations title.

Premier Sports will broadcast five select Six Nations Test matches during the 2026 edition, the governing body have confirmed.

This marks further growth in the broadcaster’s rugby network, with Premier Sports also airing the United Rugby Championship (URC), Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, Top 14, Major League Rugby (MLR) and Japan League One. They also boast a 24/7 rugby channel.

They now join the BBC, ITV and S4C in broadcasting the competition in the UK, so they are not exclusive picks.

Select Six Nations fixtures to be broadcast on Premier Sports

As part of the deal, matches involving Wales and Scotland will now be broadcast live across the Premier Sport network, with one game per round being aired.

The inaugural Test broadcast on the network sees Scotland take on Italy in round one, while Wales’ clash with France will be aired live in round two.

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The clash between Wales and Scotland at the Principality Stadium will also be broadcast live on Premier Sports, before Scotland’s round four meeting with France. Wales v Italy on the final day of the Championship is the fifth and final fixture.

Commenting on the news, Richard Sweeney, CEO of Premier Sports, said: “The Guinness Six Nations is one of the crown jewels of international rugby. The Championship showcases the world’s best players and remains one of the most culturally significant competitions in international sport and we’re delighted to bring these outstanding fixtures to our customers and growing rugby network.”

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Premier Sports coverage will also feature punditry from former internationals Tom Shanklin, Andy Goode, Jim Hamilton, Ryan Wilson and Benjamin Kayser.

Alongside its coverage in the UK, Premier Sport will also stream its Six Nations coverage across parts of Asia, as well as becoming the exclusive rights holder in Canada. Premier Sports also holds exclusivity rights over the Nations Championship, SANZAAR tour matches, Super Rugby Pacific and the Greatest Rivalry tour in Canada as well.

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