THE Six Nations has undergone a major broadcasting change with it set to feature on a new TV channel.
The annual rugby union tournament has traditionally been shown on the BBC and ITV.
This has seen fans have full access to the tournament with free-to-air coverage.
The 2026 tournament will now be different as subscription TV channel Premier Sports will also be showing games.
The channel will show one game per round in the UK and five in total across the Six Nations.
The change was confirmed on social media by Premier Sports with a message on X.
A statement said: “The Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship is coming to Premier Sports!
“We are excited to deliver live coverage of a game per round in the UK, with contributions from rugby’s top pundits.
“Premier Sports is the UK’s home of elite rugby with 400+ games live each season.”
The selected games by Premier Sports will also be shown on the BBC, meaning fans will have the option to watch for free or not.
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The move comes as the BBC have recently agreed a partnership to show the Six Nations until 2029.
Premier Sports CEO Richard Sweeney 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.
“We’re delighted to bring these outstanding fixtures to our customers and growing rugby network.”
Premier Sports’ first games will be Scotland’s visit to Italy on February 7 which will then be followed by Wales‘ clash with France the following week.
The broadcaster’s coverage will be fronted by rugby pundits such as Tom Shanklin, Andy Goode, Jim Hamilton, Ryan Wilson and Benjamin Kayser.
Six Nations games on Premier Sports
Here are the five Six Nations 2026 games that will be shown on Premier Sports…
- Italy v Scotland – Saturday 7 February (14:10), Stadio Olympico, Rome
- Wales v France – Sunday 15 February (15:10), Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Wales v Scotland – Saturday 21 February (16:40), Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Scotland v France – Saturday 7 March (14:10), Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
- Wales v Italy – Saturday 14 March (16:40), Principality Stadium, Cardiff
England and Ireland will be the only two teams out of the six teams not to feature on the channel.
France will be hoping to defend their title and win their 20th this year.
The reigning champions will kick off the tournament against Ireland on February 5 at the Stade de France.
England will begin their hunt for a 29th title against Wales at Twickenham Stadium two days later.
