Rugby union should be strongly supported through free TV broadcasts

In the ever-evolving world of sports broadcasting, a significant trend is emerging - the growth of free-to-air (FTA) broadcasting. This shift, which makes sports more accessible to a wider audience, is gaining momentum across the globe.

One sport that has experienced this change is Rugby Union. Traditionally, tournaments like the Six Nations were primarily shown on FTA UK channels such as BBC and ITV. However, in Germany, the Six Nations is available only via the paid streaming service DAZN. Interestingly, the 2024 Six Nations will return to FTA broadcasting in the UK, while remaining behind paywalls in Germany. The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, on the other hand, will be broadcast free on Joyn in Germany. This mixed approach to FTA and pay TV coverage is expected to continue in the future, ensuring Rugby Union maintains its appeal in both arenas.

The NFL is also set to return to FTA broadcasting, with 5 set to show the NFL for the first time in over 20 years this season.

However, it's not just traditional sports that are embracing this change. TikTok broadcasts and X Live shows are on the rise, providing new avenues for sports fans to engage with their favourite games.

Yet, not all sports are fully embracing this shift. Men's domestic rugby, for instance, has yet to fully adopt FTA broadcasting.

Meanwhile, Premier League football is currently behind an arbitrary blackout, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a return to regular broadcasting.

On a positive note, Channel 4 showed the Euro U21 side retain their title this year, and Sky and the BBC have partnered on the Hundred, a new cricket competition in the UK.

The Women's Rugby World Cup received millions of viewers on the BBC, highlighting the appeal and potential of FTA broadcasting for women's sports.

In addition to these developments, Ollie Phillips, former England Sevens captain, is raising funds for good causes in Henley next month. The community row event, scheduled for September 14, will benefit the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, the Clocktower Foundation, and Shiplake Primary School. The event, a rowing marathon (half or full) against the clock, will be followed by an after-party.

For more information about the event, you can click the provided link. You can also follow Ollie Phillips on Twitter @OlliePhillips11 to stay updated on his fundraising efforts.

In conclusion, the landscape of sports broadcasting is changing, with a clear shift towards more FTA broadcasting. This trend is not only making sports more accessible but also opening up new opportunities for engagement and fundraising. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how this evolution continues to shape the world of sports.