BBC keeps Six Nations

TheBBC today announced that it had agreed a four-year extension to its contract to screen rugby's Six Nations Championship. The deal extends their current three-year £70million contract as exclusive broadcaster of the tournament until 2010.

The agreement will prove that the BBC is still a major player in the TV rights battle after it lost coverage of the Boat Race to ITV this week.

Negotiations have been taking place against reservations from players and coaches about the staggered kick-off times dictated by the BBC. The deal also includes radio and on-line broadcasts by the Corporation.

BBC director of sport Peter Salmon said: "We promised that we would use the BBC's unparalleled radio, TV, on-line and interactive services to boost interest in rugby - and we have delivered. We really value the Six Nations' continued faith and partnership."

Average audiences per match have reached 4.1m this year, up from 2.8m two years ago, when the competition was divided between three broadcasters.