Ofcom gives green-light for BBC Six Nations coverage

The BBC applied to Ofcom to rubberstamp its coverage of the rugby tournament because it was classified a Group B Listed event, which restricts the acquisition of exclusive and highlight rights to the whole or any part of live television coverage.

The Six Nations highlights had previously been acquired by Setanta, with live commentary provided by BBC Radio 5 Live. Setanta's licence to broadcast the highlights was terminated following the broadcaster's collapse last summer.

In light of these exceptional circumstances, and as the BBC is still airing the live event on a free to air basis, Ofcom has given its consent for the BBC coverage to go ahead.

This year's RBS Six Nations Championship will see England take on Wales at Twickenham from 5pm tomorrow.

An embattled England team, now managed by former star player Martin Johnson, need a win to demonstrate progression while Wales, Grand Slam winners in 2008, will be looking to consign their poor performance in 2009 to the scrap-heap.

The England team will be buoyed by a fit and healthy Jonny Wilkinson at fly-half.

Earlier on Saturday, Ireland play Italy at Croke Park while on Sunday Scotland face France at Murrayfield.

This article was first published on brandrepublic.com