Six Nations considers Saturday-only revamp to boost rugby’s pulling power

Ireland's flanker Peter O'Mahony (R) and Ireland's prop Tadhg Furlong (L) lift the Six Nations trophy

All future men’s Six Nations fixtures could be staged on Saturdays as rugby union officials seek to enhance the championship’s pulling power. It is understood serious consideration is being given to scrapping Friday and Sunday games and instead expanding the popular final weekend Super Saturday concept.

Staggering the kick-offs and playing an entire three-game round on the same day has proved a significant television ratings success, while the seven most-watched games of the 2024 Six Nations were all Saturday kick-offs. Conversely, the three men’s Six Nations matches with the lowest TV audiences in the UK this year – Wales v France, Ireland v Italy and Italy v France – were all played on Sundays.