Maro Itoje begins his England captaincy on Saturday as his side prepare to take on Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
His reign has started with pleas to Six Nations chiefs, urging them to keep the matches on free-to-air TV and not behind a paywall.
Whilst this year’s competition will be available on free-to-air television, there are talks of subscription services taking it on in future.
Itoje kicks off his tenure as England captain on Saturday with a strong appeal to Six Nations organisers: keep the tournament on free-to-air television and avoid hiding it behind a paywall.
Under the current deal, BBC and ITV share live coverage of the Six Nations, with the Beeb televising Wales and Scotland’s home games, while ITV broadcasts the rest.
However, the £90million agreement expires this year, and the competition’s value has since jumped to the £100m threshold.
Unlike football World Cups or Wimbledon tennis, the Six Nations isn’t protected as a ‘Category A’ event for free TV by the government.
This opens the door for subscription-based channels to snare the rights should BBC and ITV be priced out by escalating costs.
Subscription channels like TNT Sports are circling, raising concerns that the iconic competition could move behind a paywall, requiring a subscription or paid access for viewers to watch.
Long-time BBC analyst and Welsh rugby legend Jonathan Davies has even hinted this might be his final season after 27 years on screen.
Itoje said: “The Six Nations should be viewed by as many people as possible. I grew up watching the Six Nations on the BBC and on ITV.
“The fact that it’s been on free-to-air, for so many people – I think rugby needs more eyes on it, not less.
“Obviously I am not involved in the finances of the deals, but I think, even though international rugby is massive, the sport should be looking at ways to be more accessible to more people, as opposed to the opposite.”
TNT Sports aired every autumn international last November, a series also overseen by the Six Nations, and reportedly left a strong impression on decision-makers.
The autumn fixtures and the Six Nations are now being offered as a single package.
However, the current free-to-air broadcasters, who pay £450m over three years, are facing financial constraints.
Organisers are likely to seek a higher deal, particularly with the autumn matches included, but have assured they will provide free-to-air channels with a fair opportunity to bid.
Scotland host Italy on Saturday afternoon before England’s trip to Ireland on the opening weekend.
It comes after Wales were thrashed 43-0 at the Stade de France on Friday evening.