Delighted to see this week that TV regulator Ofcom is considering a proposal from the BBC and ITV that the Six Nations be broadcast exclusively on free-to-air terrestrial TV for the next three years.
Not only that, but a statement from OFCOM says that it is “provisionally minded” to approve such a proposal, subject to responses to a consultation from interested parties.
For me, frankly, this is a no-brainer.
Plenty of Rugby is already only viewable these days on subscription channels – and I completely understand the need for TV money to help fund the professional game.
But the Six Nations is, for me and many others, the crown jewels of the game. For many the Six Nations is their introduction to rugby, their first experience of this wonderful game of ours. I can honestly say that, without seeing the Six Nations on TV way back in the mists of time, I may never have developed my obsession with the game and I am sure that many others could say the same.
Lose this audience by hiding international rugby behind a paywall and you put the future of the game at risk. I am pleased therefore that OFCOM looks as if it will make the right call. I only wish that the decision would cover a period way beyond 2024.
