The Six Nations will remain on free-to-air channels until 2029 after RTÉ and Virgin Media renewed their partnership covering the men’s, women’s and under-20’s championships.
RTÉ will broadcast eight live fixtures during the 2026 Men’s Six Nations, including two Ireland games, while Virgin Media will show the remaining seven games in the tournament, including three Ireland games.
For the women’s championship, RTÉ will air seven games, three of which will be Ireland fixtures, with Virgin Media showing eight, including Ireland’s two remaining fixtures.
The same allocations will cover the under-20’s tournament – RTÉ broadcasting seven games and Virgin Media eight, with three and two Ireland clashes respectively.
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This format of dividing fixtures between the two broadcasters will alternate each year of the partnership.
“The Six Nations sits alongside some of the most loved and respected events in world sport, capturing the attention of millions of global fans every year,” Six Nations Rugby CEO Tom Harrison said.
“Through the new partnership with RTÉ and Virgin Media we are hugely excited to offer fans in Ireland free-to-air access to experience every moment from the iconic championship for the next four years.
“We are committed to driving exposure, engagement and audience growth for the women’s game and our pathway competitions, so to have the support of both broadcasters for the Women’s and U20 Six Nations offers a vital route to deliver on this commitment.”
IRFU CEO Kevin Potts added: “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.
“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.”
Andy Farrell’s team get their 2026 campaign under way in Paris against France on February 5th before facing Italy at the Aviva Stadium on the 14th. A week later they’re in Twickenham to meet England before two home games in Dublin against Wales (March 6th) and Scotland (March 14th).
Scott Bemand’s side then open their account away to England on April 11th before hosting Italy on April 18th and an away trip to France on April 25th. Ireland are then at home for the final two rounds, facing Wales on May 9th before Scotland’s visit on May 17th.
