What a load of bollocks! The BBC have bottling it and lost the rights to show England's Six Nations matches. ITV have swooped in like a bunch of vultures and nabbed a new deal to show the footy instead. Typical isn't it, the bloody BBC can't even hold onto the beautiful game.
BBC and ITV share rights in new deal
So now we've got this poncy new four-year deal until 2029 where ITV and BBC are gonna share the broadcast rights like a couple of muppets. The BBC will be showing some rubbish Scotland and Wales games, while ITV get to show all the England fixtures from 2026. Mate, this is a right kick in the teeth for footy fans.
BBC missing out on the action
The BBC Director of Sport, some bellend called Alex Kay-Jelski, is trying to put a positive spin on it, saying "This deal is fantastic news for rugby and the BBC". What a load of tosh! Fantastic news my arse. The BBC are missing out on showing England's matches, and that's a damn shame.
ITV gloating about England matches
Meanwhile, ITV's Director of Sport Niall Sloane is gloating about how chuffed they are to have all the England matches. "We are proud to be the home of all England matches for the duration of the deal," he says, like a smug git. Well, aren't you just bloody fantastic, mate.
TNT Sports considering taking over
And get this, TNT Sports were apparently thinking about taking over the sport on some subscription service. They even admitted it would've been "very challenging". No shit, Sherlock! What a bunch of mugs.
Maro Itoje sticking his oar in
Even that big lump Maro Itoje is sticking his nose in, urging organisers to keep the Six Nations on free-to-air telly. He reckons it'll encourage wider audiences to watch the sport. Well, thanks for stating the bloody obvious, Maro.
The final day of the Six Nations
So, here we are, the final day of the Six Nations. France, England and Ireland are all in contention for the title. It's all gonna come down to who can get their shit together and actually win some matches.
France are currently top of the table on 16 points, with England on 15 and Ireland on 14. But don't count out Scotland just yet, they could still nick the trophy if they beat France with a bonus point.
So, there you have it. The state of footy these days. The BBC losing out, ITV gloating, and everyone else just trying to get a piece of the pie. It's enough to drive a bloke to drink. But hey, that's the beautiful game for you. Always keeping us on our toes and giving us something to moan about down the pub.
