Today's rugby news as France suffer another blow and Six Nations move off free-to-air 'not a formality'
Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, January 23.
Six Nations move off free-to-air 'not a formality'
A move from free-to-air TV is understood to not be a formality when the Six Nations' current broadcast deal expires at the end of the upcoming tournament.
The BBC and ITV's current deal expires at the end of the 2025 tournament, with reports last year that a £100m price tag had been slapped on the tournament.
READ MORE: Welsh prodigy deemed too good for Wales Under-20s as senior call beckons
As such, there is an expectation that the tournament, which isn't part of the government's 'Crown Jewel' sporting events that have to remain on terrestrial TV, will soon leave free-to-air and go to a subscription channel - with TNT and Amazon Prime having both recently shown Test rugby.
But, as reported by MailOnline, sources suggest that is not a formality, with there being a recognition that the tournament is a shop window for the sport as a whole.
As such, it's understood the tournament will consider more night matches in an effort to help free-to-air broadcasters get more 'prime time' fixtures when they pitch for the contract.
France suffer blow ahead of Wales clash
France have suffered a blow ahead of their Six Nations opener against Wales after second-row Thibaud Flament was ruled out with an injury.
The Toulouse lock has been ruled out with a thigh injury.
L'Equipe report that the 27-year-old trained on Wednesday, before informing the medical staff at the end of the session he felt a pain.
The report also adds that the second-row could miss France's second Six Nations fixture against England.
Wales international pens new deal
Wales international Mason Grady has signed a new deal to stay at Cardiff.
The 22-year-old had penned a new contract with the Arms Park side last May, amid links to English clubs. And now, despite being currently being sidelined with an ankle injury, Grady has committed his future to the club.
Since making his debut in 2021, Grady had become an important member of the Cardiff side, scoring 14 times in 48 appearances. He's also won 15 caps with Wales, although an injury from their autumn opener against Fiji has kept him out since November. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful to have extended my contract with Cardiff Rugby," said Grady. “As a supporter of the club for as long as I can remember, it holds a special place in my heart, and making the decision to stay was a no-brainer.
"Every day at training feels like a privilege – being surrounded by teammates I’ve grown up playing with, while also learning from the senior players and coaches who’ve been instrumental in my development. I have no doubt in the club’s potential, and I’m excited to continue contributing to our shared goals. Together, I’m confident we can achieve great things, and I’m eager to keep pushing forward on this journey with Cardiff.
“Right now, I’m genuinely disappointed to be sidelined with this ankle injury, but my focus is fully on recovery, and I’m determined to come back stronger.
“Wearing the blue and black jersey is something I truly cherish, and I can’t wait to return to the pitch, contribute to the team, and give everything I have for the club and the incredible fans who have supported us all season.”
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt added: “Securing Mason is a major boost for the club. As I’ve said before, keeping hold of our talented young players is crucial, and Mason is at the heart of our plans for the future.
“He has all the raw attributes – size, speed, and power added to a good general skill set. With continued hard work he can fulfil his massive potential at Cardiff.
“He has continued to take big strides in the last 18 months, working closely with experienced players like Rey Lee-Lo while continuing to enjoy valuable game-time."
