Six Nations chiefs have announced that it has started the process with RTÉ and Virgin Media to share TV coverage of the championships in an unprecedented move.
The move will guarantee that the Six Nations remains on terrestrial channels after fears that the sale of a 14% stake to private equity firm CVC Capital Partners would result in coverage of the championships being sold to subscription channels.
Six Nations Rugby has begun "long form contract discussions" with the two Ireland-based broadcasters, who have agreed a joint proposal in principle to ensure all three Six Nations Championships (Men’s Guinness Six Nations, Women’s Six Nations and Men’s Under 20’s tournaments) enjoy "unprecedented" coverage in the Republic of Ireland, benefiting from a first partnership of its kind between the two broadcasters.
It is hoped that the three championships will be shared in a balanced way.
Ben Morel, Chief Executive of Six Nations Rugby said: "I am delighted that we have agreed the principles of a unique three-party partnership with Virgin Media and RTÉ, and that they have chosen the Six Nations to build such a strong and compelling collaboration around all our competitions which will be to the benefit of our sport, our unions and of Rugby fans in Ireland.
Philip Browne, the IRFU CEO, said, “Rugby is a participation sport and one that has always, and will always, strive to ensure a balance between finance and exposure.
"It is a win-win for all involved to have the future of all three Championships move through the contact stages with partners that have a history of showcasing our game.
"How we, and our broadcast partners, present our game is important, not only for the hear-and-now of the viewers sitting down together to watch a particular game, but for those who may be inspired to take up the ball and play in schools and clubs.
"We look forward to working with both Virgin Media and RTÉ on the promotion of our great game across men’s and women’s rugby.”
Commenting on the agreement, Mick McCaffrey, Head of News and Sport at Virgin Media Television said, “Virgin Media Television are very excited about this historic agreement which guarantees that the Six Nations Men’s, Women’s and Under 20s competitions will continue to be available to Irish rugby fans on Free-to-Air Television.
"The rapidly evolving sports landscape means it is by no means a given that world class sporting action remains on Free-to-Air television.
"This innovative collaboration is a really positive outcome for Irish Rugby fans, for Irish broadcasting and for the continued growth and development of Rugby across Ireland”.
Dee Forbes, Director-General, RTÉ, said, “This agreement represents a win for the Irish public as two broadcasters come together to deliver the Six Nations Tournaments Free-to-Air, to the widest possible audience in Ireland.
"As competition increases from global players in the sports rights market, we are delighted to work locally with Virgin Media Television, with the aim of serving Irish audiences with fantastic Six Nations action. RTÉ has a long and proud history in showcasing Irish rugby and is delighted to work with Six Nations and the IRFU to continue to strengthen that tradition."
Meanwhile, World Rugby has confirmed that Ireland will play Japan on July 3 and the USA on July 10 at the Aviva Stadium after the summer tour to Fiji was cancelled.
IRFU performance director David Nucifora said: "We are delighted to be in a position to announce these two fixtures so soon after the disappointment of the Fiji tour cancellation.
" This is a very important window for the development of the group and we are grateful to both the Japan, the US and World Rugby for facilitating these games in July.”
Andy Farrell, Ireland Head Coach, said: “We now have two games at home to focus on which will be great for the group.
" There have been some strong individual performances in the Rainbow Cup over the past couple of weeks and there are plenty of opportunities for players to put themselves in the frame for selection for the international window in July.”
