- The RFU failed to secure broadcast coverage for England’s Test trip to Japan
- The governing body’s RugbyPass website will make the match free to all viewers
- Clashes with other sports hampered a deal for the reunion with Eddie Jones
England’s summer Test against Japan will be streamed on the governing body’s RugbyPass website after the RFU failed to secure a traditional broadcast deal.
While the reunion fixture against Eddie Jones’s Brave Blossoms will be free to view, the shortage of interest from mainstream broadcasters is a concerning reflection of the state of play.
England’s final two tour matches against the All Blacks in New Zealand will be showcased on Sky Sports but the opener in Tokyo will be the first Test this century not to be shown on regular TV.
Scheduling clashes with the Euro 2024 football tournament have not helped the marketing push, while significant resources are being held back for the Olympic Games.
Next season’s Champions Cup rugby tournament is also yet to find a home, in its first tender process since three Premiership clubs went bankrupt.
England’s Test against Japan will be shown on RugbyPass after a TV deal could not be reached
The reunion fixture against Eddie Jones’s Brave Blossoms will take place in Tokyo on June 22
The World Rugby-owned website have promised to provide pre-match, half-time and post-match show and commentary for the Test in Japan on June 22.
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.’
