RTÉ and Virgin confirm new four-year Six Nations partnership

The Six Nations will remain free-to-air in Ireland until at least 2029. 

In 2026, RTÉ will broadcast two Ireland men's Six Nations games while Virgin Media will show three. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

RTÉ and Virgin Media have confirmed the extension of their Six Nations broadcasting partnership with the announcement of a new four-year deal. 

The two broadcasters have shared Six Nations rights since 2022. The new deal begins in 2026 and will run until 2029. It will see them share fixtures from the men's, women's and U20 Six Nations equally over that period. RTÉ will also have the audio and radio rights to the men's tournament until 2029.

"The Six Nations tournaments remain marquee international sports rights and RTÉ are delighted to join with Virgin Media in bringing the games to a mass audience," said RTÉ head of sport Declan McBennett.

"The tournaments continue to deliver memorable moments and Ireland's success in recent years is further evidence of just how important these games are to the Irish sporting public. We hugely value this opportunity to acquire the free-to-air rights and to serve our audience."

In 2026, RTÉ will show eight fixtures from the men’s championship, including two Ireland clashes, while Virgin Media will have seven men's fixtures, three of which will be Ireland games. 

For next year's women's and U20 championships, RTÉ will broadcast seven games from each while Virgin Media will show eight matches from each. RTÉ’s coverage will include three Ireland games in each tournament, while Virgin Media will show two in each.

“As the most watched sports event in the country, ensuring the Six Nations Championship remains accessible to all fans was of paramount importance to the IRFU," said IRFU CEO Kevin Potts. 

"We are thrilled that through this new partnership, the Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations will continue to be available free-to-air, allowing millions of Irish rugby supporters to enjoy the tournament, live on their screens.

"As the sport’s popularity continues to grow, these partnerships with RTÉ and Virgin Media will ensure that rugby remains at the heart of Irish sport, enabling the next generation of fans to experience the excitement and passion of international rugby.”