TNT Sports encouraged by Autumn Nations Series viewing figures

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. TNT Sports, who are in their first year as the UK broadcaster of the Autumn Nations Series after taking over from Amazon, are said to be particularly encouraged by the week-on-week growth in interest in their first significant, sustained involvement in international rugby. The England vs South Africa clash last weekend set a new record rugby audience for the channel, formerly BT Sport, with interest in line with top Premier League and Champions League games. open image in gallery TNT Sports are the UK broadcaster for the Autumn Nations Series It is an intriguing time in the rights space. The revamped international competition will feature 12 of the world’s top nations, with the inaugural finals set to be held in London in November 2026. open image in gallery The UK television deal for the Six Nations expires next year At a time where many unions are struggling financially, there is hope that the tournament will provide an uplift in broadcast rights returns for the sport, though time is need to properly pitch a new competition to broadcasters.