SKY SPORTS have lost the rights to this year’s Autumn International series.
And that will lead to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland rugby fans watching on a new channel.
Steve Borthwick’s Red Rose face mouthwatering clashes at home to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, as well as Japan.
And for the first time, TNT Sports will be the broadcaster for an England match.
The network has been the leader in broadcasting English club rugby, having been long-term rightsholders of the Guinness Premiership.
However, it is now making a foray into the international game.
And the purchase of the Autumn Internationals rights provides a welcome boost after TNT lost the rights to the European Rugby Champions Cup to Premier Sports.
Andrew Georgiou, President and MD, UK & Ireland and WBD Sports Europe said: “To bring the best of international rugby to our TNT Sports subscribers is hugely exciting and another important moment which demonstrates our premium sports rights offering in the UK and Ireland.
“The Autumn Nations Series gives rugby fans access to world-class battles between the northern and southern hemispheres and is one of the highlights in the rugby calendar.
“We are delighted to further extend our TNT Sports rugby portfolio for fans who already have plenty to look forward to for the rest of this season with Gallagher Premiership Rugby, European club rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby and the HSBC SVNS Series.”
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The change leaves Sky Sports with a very limited rugby union offering – including only the Home Nations’ summer tours.
However, Sky will have the rights to the all-important British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia next summer.
Autumn Series fixtures
Saturday, November 2
- 3.10pm: England vs New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium
- 5.40pm: Scotland vs Fiji, Murrayfield
Friday, November 8
- 8.10pm: Ireland vs New Zealand, Aviva Stadium
Saturday, November 9
- 3.10pm: England vs Australia, Twickenham
- 5.40pm: Italy vs Argentina, Stadio Friuli
- 8.10pm: France vs Japan, Stade de France
Sunday, November 10
- 1.40pm: Wales vs Fiji, Principality Stadium
- 4.10pm: Scotland vs South Africa, Murrayfield
Friday, November 15
- 8.10pm: Ireland vs Argentina, Aviva Stadium
Saturday, November 16
- 3.10pm: Scotland vs Portugal, Murrayfield
- 5.40pm: England vs South Africa, Twickenham
- 8.10pm: France vs New Zealand, Stade de France
Sunday, November 17
- 1.40pm: Italy vs Georgia, Stadio Luigi Ferraris
- 4.10pm: Wales vs Australia, Principality Stadium
Friday, November 22
- 8.10pm: France vs Argentina, Stade de France
Saturday, November 23
- 3.10pm: Ireland vs Fiji, Aviva Stadium
- 5.40pm: Wales vs South Africa, Principality Stadium
- 8.10pm: Italy vs New Zealand, Allianz Stadium, Turin
Sunday, November 24
- 1.40pm: Scotland vs Australia, Murrayfield
- 4.10pm: England vs Japan, Twickenham
Saturday, November 30
- 3.10pm: Ireland vs Australia, Aviva Stadium
