BBC Renews Six Nations Rights Contract

The BBC has renewed its TV rights deal for rugby union’s Six Nations for a
further four years meaning that the northern hemisphere tournament will remain
on the public broadcaster until 2013.

The new deal extends BBC Sport’s current contract, as exclusive broadcaster
of the Six Nations, which runs until 2009 and covers TV, radio and online.

This year’s Six Nations saw audiences increase to their highest level for 8
years, with an average audience of 4.3m per match and an average share of 31%.
In total over 30m people within the UK watched some of the 2007 tournament.

Following a brief spell on Sky Sports, Six Nations rugby returned exclusively
to the BBC in 2003.