England clash becomes first in DECADES not to be shown on live TV as shock decision is made
ENGLAND’S first rugby Test this summer will make a surprising piece of history.
Saturday’s clash against Eddie Jones‘ Japan in Tokyo on Saturday will NOT be on live TV.
It’s the first time in decades no broadcast deal has been agreed for a Red Rose Test.
Instead Steve Borthwick‘s men can only be seen live online.
England rugby chiefs have announced what they call an “exclusive” and “exciting” deal with Rugby Pass TV.
Just last month it was revealed that union bosses were scrambling to agree coverage on mainstream television.
Sky Sports negotiated a deal with Southern Hemisphere rugby chiefs (Sanzaar) to show England’s second and third Tests this summer – both against New Zealand.
But Japan is not covered by Sanzaar, which left a gap this weekend.
Now England Rugby have confirmed they have made their own arrangements for showing the game live.
Rugby Pass can be accessed via website, app and smart TV.
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England Rugby Marketing Director Ewan Turney said: “This is an exciting partnership with World Rugby to enable all fans in the UK and Ireland to watch this historic match for free.
“We know that younger audiences are gravitating towards streaming platforms and fans are watching matches on a multitude of devices so we have chosen this free-to-air route.”
Saturday’s Test in the Japanese capital starts at 6.50am British Summer time.
The come two daunting challenges in New Zealand.
They face the All Blacks in Dunedin on July 6 and at Eden park in Auckland seven days later.