Statement: Listed events - Six Nations Rugby Union Championship

  • Start: 19 April 2017
  • Status: Statement published
  • End: 17 May 2017

Ofcom has given its consent to requests from the BBC and ITV to broadcast exclusive live coverage of the Six Nations Rugby Union Championships for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

We consulted during April and May 2017 on the requests (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-3/listed-events-six-nations-rugby-union-championship).

Ofcom received one response from S4C (PDF, 173.4 KB) to say that in addition to BBC and ITV’s coverage it will broadcast non-exclusive live coverage of all the Wales matches in the tournament in the Welsh language. No other expressions of interest or responses opposing the proposal were received.

Having considered the outcome of the consultation and the information supplied by the BBC and ITV in support of their application, Ofcom has decided to grant consent to the BBC and ITV’s exclusive live coverage.

Ofcom has received requests from the BBC and ITV for consent to broadcast exclusive live coverage of the Six Nations Tournament for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 (‘the events’).

Coverage of the events will be broadcast on ITV (home matches of England, Ireland and Italy) and either BBC One or BBC Two (home matches of Wales, Scotland and France). In addition, the BBC has national radio rights for all the matches in the tournament.

Six Nations matches involving home countries of the UK are Group B Listed Events under the Broadcasting Act 1996. In accordance with section 101 of the Broadcasting Act 1996, Ofcom’s consent is needed for exclusive live coverage of these events. The rules which apply are set out in the Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events.

If interested parties would like to make any comments on the requests, these should be sent to Ofcom by email or letter by no later than 17 May 2017, using the contact details on this page. Unless confidentiality is requested, all such comments will be made available to view on Ofcom's website after the consultation has closed.