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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Robert Kitson in Auckland

Six Nations considers Saturday-only revamp to boost rugby’s pulling power

Ireland players celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2024 Six Nations
Ireland players celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2024 Six Nations on Super Saturday. Photograph: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters

All future men’s Six Nations fixtures could be staged on Saturdays as ­rugby union officials seek to enhance the champion­ship’s pulling power. It is understood serious consideration is being given to scrapping Friday and Sunday games and instead ­expanding the use of the popular final weekend ­Super ­Saturday concept.

Staggering the kick-offs and ­playing an entire three-game round on the same day has proved a ­significant television ratings ­success, while the seven most-watched games ­of the 2024 Six Nations were all ­Saturday kick-offs. Conversely, the three men’s Six Nations matches with the ­lowest TV audiences in the UK this year – Wales v France, Ireland v Italy and France v Italy – were all played on Sundays.

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