The 2025 Six Nations is already creating a buzz—and it’s still weeks away! The tournament will open with France hosting Wales in Paris on Friday, 31 January, but it’s the 9:15 pm local start time that’s got fans talking.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
The late kickoff has raised eyebrows, and rugby supporters are not holding back in their opinions.
“Terrible for Welsh Rugby”
One disgruntled fan vented their frustration, saying: “Rugby is already declining in Wales and now children won’t be able to watch their first game. Bad idea.”
“Logistical Nightmare”
Another supporter highlighted the travel chaos, stating: “Getting to the Stade de France at the best of times is hard. Getting back after a 9:15 kick-off time will be a nightmare.”
“Who’s Bright Idea Was This?”
In true rugby fashion, another fan didn’t mince their words, asking: “Who’s fing s idea was this?”
England, Scotland, and Italy to Play Next Day
The action continues the following day as England take to the field and Scotland face off against Italy at Murrayfield, according to tournament organisers.
Who’s Showing the Games?
Once again, BBC and ITV will share coverage in the UK, with S4C providing Welsh language options. French fans can tune in on France Télévision, while RTE and Virgin Media will bring the matches to viewers in Ireland. Italy’s Sky Italia will maintain its coverage for the Italian audience, with the World Feed service ensuring international fans don’t miss out.
Free-to-Air: Future in Doubt?
The Six Nations is one of the last bastions of free-to-air rugby in the UK, but for how long? Some had speculated that the tournament’s status might be reconsidered, but for now, it remains unchanged.
The Current Deal
The current UK broadcasting agreement, running until March 2025, splits rights between BBC and ITV, with S4C covering Welsh-language broadcasts. This setup has kept the Championship available to millions of fans—something that wasn’t guaranteed in 2015 when Sky tried to nab the rights, only to be outbid by the joint BBC-ITV effort.
BBC Feeling the Pinch
The BBC’s grip on sporting events is under threat due to rising costs. A senior BBC executive recently told MPs: “Sports rights in the UK have more than doubled in the past decade, while BBC’s income in real terms has dropped by 30%. It’s incredibly difficult for us to meet the demands of governing bodies across multiple sports.”
She added: “With the Six Nations, we’ll need to assess the affordability at the time. We’re likely not going to be the highest bidder, and it’ll be up to the governing bodies to balance reach and revenue.”
Battle Brewing Over Broadcasting Rights
As the BBC struggles, other broadcasters are eyeing up the Six Nations. ITV may face stiff competition from the likes of TNT Sports, Sky, Netflix, and Prime Video when the rights come up for grabs, setting the stage for a fierce bidding war.
Politics in Play
The question of whether the Six Nations should remain free-to-air is a hot political issue. Earlier this year, the Welsh government asked the UK’s Media Minister to grant the tournament A-grade protected status on terrestrial TV, but the request was denied. Despite a government reshuffle, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport confirmed there are “no plans to review the listed events regime.”
TNT Sports: A Serious Contender?
TNT Sports, backed by Warner Brothers, is emerging as a real threat in the broadcasting battle. They’ve already teamed up with the BBC to air FA Cup matches and could propose a similar joint deal for the Six Nations, balancing fan accessibility with commercial interests. Could this be the compromise rugby needs?
2025 Six Nations fixtures confirmed, England handed worst possible start
ROUND 1
- Friday 31 January
- France vs Wales – 8.15pm
- Saturday 1 February
- Scotland vs Italy – 2.15pm
- Ireland vs England – 4.45pm
ROUND 2
- Saturday 8 February
- Italy vs Wales – 2.15pm
- England vs France – 4.45pm
- Sunday 9 February
- Scotland vs Ireland – 3pm
ROUND 3
- Saturday 22 February
- Wales vs Ireland – 2.15pm
- England vs Scotland – 4.45pm
- Sunday 23 February
- Italy vs France – 3pm
ROUND 4
- Saturday 8 March
- Ireland vs France – 2.15pm
- Scotland vs Wales – 4.45pm
- Sunday 9 March
- England vs Italy – 3pm
ROUND 5
- Saturday 15 March
- Italy vs Ireland – 2.15pm
- Wales vs England – 4.45pm
- France vs Scotland – 8pm
AI predicts the next 20 Six Nations winners, Scotland finally win it
Groundbreaking AI technology has unveiled its jaw-dropping forecasts for the next two decades of Six Nations glory, and the results are nothing short of mind-blowing.
According to the cutting-edge predictions, England is poised to clinch victory in a staggering five out of the next 20 tournaments, while Scotland is primed for a historic triumph, marking their first title since their Five Nations conquest in 1999.
However, the road ahead seems daunting for Wales, as the AI oracle forecasts a prolonged wait until 2041 for their next taste of Six Nations glory.
Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses such as England, Ireland, and France are slated to dominate the competition, casting a shadow over Welsh aspirations.
Check out the next 20 Six Nations winner’s below.
2025: France
2026: Ireland
2027: England
2028: England
2029: Scotland
2030: France
2031: Ireland
2032: England
2033: Ireland
2034: France
2035: Ireland
2036: England
2037: Scotland
2038: France
2039: Ireland
2040: England
2041: Wales
2042: France
2043: Ireland
EDITORS PICKS:
- Leicester issue worrying update on England forward Ollie Chessum
- Andy Farrell confirms he will step down as Ireland head coach this weekend
- World Rugby confirms FOUR ‘fan-focused’ law changes for 2025 Six Nations
- Gloucester name their asking price for number 8 Zach Mercer
- BBC ‘priced out’ of Six Nations, will likely go behind paywall next year
Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?
The British & Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.
Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!
Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!
