TF1 Group has acquired exclusive French broadcast rights to the new Nations Championship, the international rugby competition set to debut in 2026.
Under a new multi-year agreement with Six Nations Rugby, TF1 will air the first two editions of the tournament in 2026 and 2028, as well as the Summer Nations Series in 2027 and the Autumn Nations Series in 2029.
Across the four-year deal, the broadcaster will show 122 live matches, including 23 featuring the French men’s national team, all available free-to-air on TF1 Group channels.
The Nations Championship will feature 12 of the world’s top rugby nations, with Europe’s Six Nations teams competing against southern hemisphere sides including New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, and two invited nations. Matches will be played in July and November every two years.
TF1 said the agreement strengthens its position as the home of major rugby events in France, following its coverage of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which drew record audiences across its linear channels and digital platforms. The broadcaster will also air three warm-up matches ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
In total, TF1 will broadcast seven Nations Championship matches in both 2026 and 2028, along with six additional test matches in 2029, keeping the sport free-to-air for French audiences through the entire four-year cycle.
The deal further consolidates TF1’s dominance in premium live sport, extending a portfolio that already includes the Rugby World Cup, UEFA Euro 2024, and major football and Formula 1 coverage.
