England star hits out as BBC and ITV deal threatens disaster for future Six Nations tournaments
Watch now: Aidan Magee discusses the latest sport headlines
England captain Maro Itoje has urged Six Nations organisers to keep the championship on free-to-air television amid growing concerns it could move behind a paywall after this year.
The newly appointed skipper made his plea ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin.
With the current BBC and ITV broadcast deal set to expire after this year's tournament, there are fears the championship could be acquired by a subscription broadcaster.
The Six Nations is not protected under the government's "crown jewels" list of sporting events that must be shown free-to-air.
The Six Nations current broadcasting deal with BBC and ITV ends this year
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The championship currently draws massive audiences on free-to-air television, with England's victory over Ireland last year reaching a peak viewership of 6.6 million.
Some fixtures can attract up to 10 million viewers through the BBC and ITV's shared coverage.
TNT is reportedly considering a bid for the rights, which would likely offer more money but reach fewer viewers.
A compromise arrangement that would keep some matches on free-to-air television remains a possibility.
The Rugby Football Union has shown flexibility by considering Friday night matches at Allianz Stadium to appeal to broadcasters.
Maro Itoje wants the Six Nations to stay on free-to-air TV
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Itoje, who grew up watching the championship on BBC and ITV, emphasised the importance of maintaining broad accessibility to the sport.
"Yes, I think the Six Nations should be viewed by as many people as possible," said Itoje. "I grew up watching the Six Nations on the BBC and on ITV."
"The fact that it's been on free-to-air, for so many people – I think rugby needs more eyes on it, not less," the England captain added.
He stressed that rugby should focus on expanding its reach: "The sport should be looking at ways to be more accessible to more people, as opposed to the opposite."
England vice-captain Ellis Genge offered a more nuanced perspective on the broadcasting rights debate.
He acknowledged the financial pressures facing rugby, noting: "People always shout and scream about not enough money in rugby, so it's unfair to look at people and point the finger."
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The BBC and ITV are at risk of losing their broadcasting rights
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However, Genge also expressed concerns about accessibility for potential viewers.
"People... you want to expand the audience and people that can't afford to have, what, 140-odd quid a month for a TV subscription, or however much it is, then it's not fair," he said.
"From that perspective, you talk about growing the game and they won't be able to watch it."
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