SKY DEAL RISKS A SIX NATIONS WAR

Rugby’s furious reaction to fears of losing tournament from terrestrial TV

SIX NATIONS chiefs were last night given a glimpse of the fury they can expect if they opt to go behind a paywall with their new TV rights deal.

The tournament is the jewel in rugby’s crown, accessible to every household in the land through its current deal with BBC and ITV.

More than 80 per cent of the total Tv-watching audience in Wales tuned in to see Alun Wyn Jones’ men clinch the Grand Slam a year ago.

So fears that the championship could be lost from terrestrial TV in a new £300million deal have gone down very badly with fans.

The existing contract runs out in 2021 and reports suggest joint bids will not be permitted again.

That opens the door potentially to Sky securing the biggest rights contract in rugby history.

Six Nations top brass – who described a report in The Rugby Paper as “highly premature and speculative” – are open-minded about which platform the tournament appears on in future.

A spokesman said: “We would not rule anything out at this stage.”

But fans bombarded social media in opposition. “If this happens it will be a Tragic Day for Rugby Fans everywhere !!!! ” wrote one. “Six Nations behind a paywall will be catastrophic for RU,” warned another.

One fan explained that the Six Nations is “great for inspiring young kids. Behind a paywall this will limit that opportunity to only those who can afford it”. Another said: “The move behind a paywall will fundamentally change the make-up of the Six Nations.”

Former England prop Jeff Probyn joined the chorus of disapproval, saying: “It would be bad news were the Six Nations to agree to sell to pay-to-view as it would reduce exposure of the game at a time when it is already in decline.”

As one debate rages, Six Nations chiefs will meet in Paris today to discuss the coronavirus crisis and the rescheduling of Ireland’s postponed match with Italy.

Concern has been heightened by the French government banning all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people.

England play Wales on Saturday with Scotland hosting France 24 hours later. The most pressing concern is the following week when England are scheduled to travel to Italy and Ireland to Paris.