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RULE OF SIX

New BBC Director General Tim Davie has personally intervened to keep the Six Nations on free-to-air TV, according to reports.

The Daily Mail claim Davie has "stressed the importance to colleagues of holding on to rugby’s trophy asset" amid interest from Sky Sports, BT and Amazon in the tournament.

The report adds that Davie is ready to sign off on a hugely improved joint-bid for the TV rights with ITV.

Minutes from a meeting on the issue reportedly state that Davie said: "We’re trying to protect sports investment.

"The Six Nations… 64 per cent of the whole Welsh population were watching that game.

"We’re having to play it smart, so sharing with ITV… ensuring that we can be competitive."

The game he is referring to is believed to be Wales' 40-24 win over England.

And he is said to have added: "There are big pay providers out there, but it’s utterly critical in my mind.

"There is a limit to our budget but it is utterly critical we protect things like that, because that’s where audiences get value from the BBC.

"So, that is of priority importance, that we can bring those big events."