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The Six Nations is here, but does rugby need a commercial rethink?

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Episode notes

The northern hemisphere rugby union competition returns at a time when the sport finds itself under increasing pressure to grow its revenues and expand into new markets.

With the Six Nations back on our screens this weekend, Ed Dixon, Michael Long and Sam Carp sit down to preview the tournament.

The three discuss the tournament potentially switching to a pay-TV broadcaster in the UK, if a culture shift in rugby would mean more growth, and whether the sport can really crack the US market. 

There’s also time to unpick the latest goings on at Ineos, amid continued unrest at Manchester United and an acrimonious split with sailing legend Ben Ainslie, and then take a look at the NBA’s plans in Europe as Adam Silver talks up a new league on the continent.

Articles we mentioned…

1. Six Nations likely to stay on FTA in UK as TNT Sports distances itself from bid
2. Six Nations TV rights soon to be up for grabs
3. Ilona Maher: Rugby union needs culture shift to create stars and grow
4. Rugby must ‘do things differently’ to break into US, says Roc Nation president
5. Ainslie 'astounded' at Ineos America's Cup split Manchester United get government backing for Old Trafford regeneration project
6. Adam Silver: NBA looking “very closely” at European league launch