The new deal, which provides the BBC with exclusive coverage of all 15 matches a season for the next three years (2003-5), is valued at $105million (EUR105.4m) - less than half the amount expected when broadcast negotiations began several months ago.
With BSkyB, the previous carrier of England's home matches and the France/England fixture electing not to bid, the BBC found itself in a classic negotiating position of being the sole bidder at a time when the sport of rugby union was determined to raise its profile by contracting with a free-to-air broadcaster. The new agreement also includes radio and online rights.
Of further assistance to the BBC was the pressure heaped on the Six Nations Committte during the past few days by the decision of Lloyds TSB not to renew their five-year sponsorship agreement of the Six Nations tournament. The Six Nations Committee, conscious that they could not even start to seek a replacement sponsor, duly announced their agreement with the BBC.
Looking further ahead, the Six Nations - which comprises England, France, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales - could become Seven Nations if, as reported by the UK's Sunday Times newspaper, South Africa maintains its wish to generate stronger ties with northern hemisphere sides.
Reportedly disillusioned with the Tri-Nations tournament in which they compete against Australia and New Zealand, the Springboks could join the Six Nations when their current Tri Nations agreement ends in 2005.
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