BBC Rugby Union News: Six Nations Unions Explore ‘Super Saturday’ Format for Future Tournaments
10 July 2024 | Updated: 10 July 2024
In a dramatic move, the Six Nations rugby unions are in talks about revamping their annual championship by adopting the popular “Super Saturday” format for every round of future tournaments. The system of staging three matches on the same day has become the traditional climax to the Six Nations, with kick-offs staggered throughout the afternoon and evening.
Notably, the 2015 Six Nations witnessed a thrilling finale, with three teams in title contention on the final day and England narrowly missing out despite a resounding victory over France at Twickenham. Ireland ultimately snatched the prize due to a narrow points-difference advantage over their English and Welsh rivals.
“The recognized appeal of the Six Nations lies in its ability to attract vast away support, and Saturday games are understandably the most accessible without the need to take time off work.”
Now, officials are considering the possibility of implementing Super Saturdays for every match weekend, potentially scrapping Friday night and Sunday fixtures which often prove logistically challenging and unpopular for travelling fans and the unions themselves.
The views of broadcasters, who provide significant investment through rights deals, will be carefully considered in the decision-making process. While they have expressed concerns about having to spread resources thinly by having all matches on the same day, they also acknowledge the clear, joined-up narrative that a “Super Saturday” format could provide.
This development comes as the Six Nations unions are also involved in a secretive process to consider a substantial £800 million offer from Qatar to host the new Nations Championship finals over an eight-year period, starting in 2026. The prospect of a massive income boost is set against the potential for significant reputational damage, as the sport grapples with the dilemma of overlooking human rights issues.
As rugby’s power-brokers weigh these critical decisions, they must also address lingering concerns about preparations for the 2031 World Cup in the United States, with contingency plans to potentially move the showpiece event elsewhere already being discussed.
🔗 Source
