A significant change could reportedly be made to the if a deal is struck to keep it on terrestrial television for the foreseeable future.

Coverage has been shared between the and since 2016 but the current deal will expire following the end of this year's tournament.

It has led to fears that the Six Nations could disappear from free-to-air television, but tournament bosses have taken steps to downplay those concerns.

They believe the BBC and ITV could be persuaded to renew their contract with the promise of more night matches, according to .

Events such as , the and the are required by Ofcom to be shown on terrestrial channels, but the Six Nations does not fall into that category.

Free-to-air coverage boasts a more extensive reach than subscription channels, but traditional broadcasters are often unable to compete in terms of the revenue they can offer.

As a result, a revamped fixture schedule with more evening kick-offs is said to be under consideration. The proposed move could help free-to-air broadcasters to land more 'prime time' fixtures when they pitch for the contract.

The BBC and ITV are still believed to be discussing a new broadcast deal with Six Nations bosses and it remains to be seen if an agreement will be struck.

For now, though, all eyes will be on this year's tournament with Wales going up against France in next weekend's curtain-raiser.

, carrying over from the Autumn Nations Series. Scrum-halves will also have more protection in rucks and mauls, while non-straight throws at uncontested lineouts will not be penalised.

Players will continue to have reduced time in taking conversions and forming scrums and lineouts, while referees will keep broadcasting key decisions to fans in stadiums.

Ireland are the favourites to retain their title despite being without Andy Farrell, who has been released from his coaching duties as he prepares to take charge of the British and Irish Lions.

England, meanwhile, will be hoping to bounce back from a disappointing year by mounting a title challenge of their own.

Steve Borthwick has already been forced to shake up his squad at short notice with former captain Jamie George, Alex Mitchell, Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Coles and Alex Dombrandt suffering injury setbacks.