RTÉ and Virgin Media’s Six Nations Deal: What This Game-Changing Partnership Means for Irish Sports Broadcasting—and Your Screens

So, here’s the kicker: RTÉ and Virgin Media Television just inked a four-year extension to keep the Six Nations rugby action live and kicking on free-to-air TV until 2029. You might wonder, in a world splintering into streaming apps and paywalls, how on earth do two broadcasters still manage to share the championship glory equally without a digital turf war? Well, it turns out the passion for rugby in Ireland is too fierce to mess with, and these powerhouses are playing the long game—offering live matches across the Guinness Men’s, Women’s, and U20 Six Nations, plus RTÉ grabbing the audio and radio rights like a savvy hustler locking down his next big deal. The stakes aren’t just a bunch of tackles and tries here; it’s about uniting a nation and fueling memories that matter—because let’s face it, what’s better than that unmistakable roar of a crowd when Ireland scores? Grab your remote, because the game’s coming home (on free TV) for four more seasons. LEARN MORE.

RTÉ and Virgin Media Television have announced a four-year deal to continue broadcasting the Six Nations.

The two free-to-air broadcasters will air live matches from the Guinness Men’s, Women’s and the U20 Six Nations until the end of the 2029 tournaments.

Fixtures from all three championships will be shared equally by RTÉ and Virgin Media. Confirmation of how is to be announced.

RTÉ has also secured audio and radio rights to the Men’s Six Nations 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 Declan McBennett, group head of sport at RTÉ.

“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.”

Mick McCaffrey, director of news and sport at Virgin Media Television, said: “Free-to-air broadcasting has been instrumental in the growing popularity of rugby in Ireland.

“Together with RTÉ, we’re ensuring that the men’s, women’s and U20 Six Nations remain accessible to fans across the country, and we look forward to delivering four more years of top-class rugby to Irish audiences.”

Photo: (l-r) Joe Molloy of Virgin Media and Jacqui Hurley of RTÉ. (Pic: Supplied)