The Six Nations got underway with France’s hammering against Wales (Image: Getty)
has warned that removing the Six Nations from terrestrial TV could have a negative impact on the sport going forwards.
It comes amid speculation the and ITV will lose the rights to the Six Nations following the conclusion of the 2025 Championship.
The current deal between the two free-to-air partners is due to expire after this year’s Six Nations, with talk TNT Sports could swoop in and acquire the rights instead.
However, according to presenter Logan, taking the Six Nations away from terrestrial TV may hamper the sport’s development and growth.
Speaking on the Sports Agents podcast, the recently named Match of the Day host said: “We’re talking about people who don’t watch rugby all the time.
“Enjoying these massive occasions, finding out more about the sport, enjoying the combat, enjoying the rivalry. That, if the Six Nations goes behind a paywall potentially, will be completely lost.
“That neutral fan, that person that doesn’t really know rugby, coming along and enjoying the ride, they’re not necessarily going to go and bother to buy TNT or wherever the sport takes the Six Nations.”
She added: “[It’s] not a lot in the scheme of things when you consider the sponsors and the brands who are not going to get the exposure that they would get on terrestrial television.
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The current Six Nations broadcast deal runs out at the end of this year’s tournament (Image: Getty)
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“Is this rugby union potentially shooting itself in the foot again?”
“The concern I would have is that those people who don’t necessarily know rugby aren’t necessarily going to seek it out. And then how do you grow the game? How do you get new eyeballs? How do you get new fans? How do you get new players?”
Talk about the proposed switch has dominated headlines in the build-up to the Six Nations, with England captain Maro Itoje rubbishing the idea.
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He said: “Yes, I think the Six Nations should be viewed by as many people as possible. I grew up watching the Six Nations on the 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.”
England begin their Six Nations campaign away to Ireland on Saturday afternoon.