These are the rugby headlines from Monday night, December 18.

Bet on Six Nations TV with free broadcast

The Six Nations could remain on free-to-air television after a request was made to protect home games.

Former Labor Secretary John Spellar has introduced a bill to expand Ofcom’s list of protected sporting events, which currently includes Wimbledon, the Olympic Games, the Grand National and even the men’s Rugby World Cup final. However, the Six Nations do not have the same protections.

Now Spellar, MP for Worley, has called for an extension that would allow free-to-air broadcasters to offer full coverage of the championships. He called for his broadcasting bill (a list of sporting events) to be considered on March 22 next year. Get the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter.

“Major international games should be free and accessible to everyone,” he told the PA news agency. “Because we want them to encourage people, especially young people, to take part in sports and also as part of a national support unit.”

In addition to the Six Nations, the project also seeks to give special status to Test cricket played at national venues.

The move comes after the BBC warned MPs it could lose coverage of the Six Nations due to rising costs and falling revenue, with the broadcaster’s former director of sport saying they faced “incredibly difficult decisions” about whether to continue coverage on your channel. channels, admitting that “they probably won’t be the best players in the tournament”.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: “The listed events regime means many of the biggest sporting events are available to watch for free across the UK. Our aim is to make events of national interest free for everyone wherever possible. , while protecting the ability of competition organizers to generate revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to invest in their sport.

“We believe the current list strikes the right balance, with protection for highlights of Test cricket played in England and Six Nations matches involving home countries. Therefore, we do not intend to change the regime.”

Peel Eyes’ revenge after “humiliation”

Scarlets boss Dwayne Peele is seeking revenge as his team looks to bounce back from a poor start to the Challenge Cup in their Boxing Day clash against the Ospreys.

Peel’s side were beaten 23-7 at home by Georgia’s Black Lion at the weekend, and also lost 34-16 to Castro in their first weekend of European action.

And with just two URC wins under his belt, the 42-year-old is under increasing pressure from fans calling for big changes at the club. But even with the current difficulties, Peel now looks ahead to next weekend when they face the Ospreys for the second time in a month. Despite being defeated 31-9 by Toby Booth’s men last month, the coach is willing to “repay” that result with a magnificent performance.

“It’s a big game for us,” Peele said. “We had a pretty modest night last time we played the Ospreys and we have a chance to make up for that in 10 days.

“It’s always a big game against them and where we are now, it becomes an important game and we will prepare like that and put on a performance we can be proud of.”

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“World class” Doris signs new deal

Kelan Dorries says he is “delighted” after signing a new deal with Ireland and Leinster, insisting “the best is yet to come”.

The defender has signed a contract until 2027, having played 36 international games for Andy Farrell’s team, the IRFU announced. He was instrumental in Ireland’s success in this year’s Six Nations Grand Slam and has also played five World Cup matches, scoring one try.

Dorris, who also scored 11 tries in 72 appearances for Leinster, was named Ireland Rugby Players’ Player of the Year earlier this year and has since been named in the World Rugby Men’s Dream Team of the Year. He won four consecutive Pro14 titles with the province between 2018 and 2021.

“It was a dream to play in ambitious conditions at club and international level and I believe the best is yet to come, both for me personally and for the team,” said the 25-year-old after signing the contract. . case. “I am very excited about what the future holds and would like to thank everyone who has helped me in my career so far.”

IRFU High Performance Director David Nucifora added: “The IRFU is committed to attracting and retaining the most talented players and coaches and we are delighted that Kelan has signed this new deal.

“Since making his debut in Ireland three years ago, Celan has established himself as a world-class artist and today’s announcement is testament to his growing reputation and high profile, both here in Ireland and internationally. Kelan is a leader who consistently demonstrates a high level of performance and I have no doubt he will strive to reach a higher level in the years to come.”

DuPont “a little scared”

French star Antoine Dupont admitted he is “a little scared” at the prospect of switching to seven as he targets Olympic gold. The 27-year-old will miss the next Six Nations to join the French Sevens program ahead of the Paris Olympics in what will be another busy year for the scrum-half.

Telling BBC Radio 5 Live he was “really excited but a bit scared” about the big move, he added: “It’s going to be a very busy year but I love it and I’m excited.”

Dupont, whose Toulouse beat Harlequins 17-49 in the Champions Cup at the weekend, also said he was encouraged by France’s disappointing World Cup campaign after Les Bleus lost in the quarter-finals to South Africa. .

“When you lose a competition, you want to do something else to try to win it again,” he said. “The European Cup is always a special competition for us and I think we have seen in the last two weeks that we are very motivated for this competition.”

The talisman will be involved in the Seven series in February and March, with a brief return to Toulouse at the end of the season before returning to the Seven program for the Olympics in July.

“I will have to work hard to be competitive in all competitions,” he added. “The last time [playing Sevens] I think I was under 18, but it’s the same sport and there are a lot of similarities.

“I will have to do the best I can. I have a lot of phone calls with the coach to try to learn some skills and I will try to learn by watching the game. Yes it is hard”. [to miss the Six Nation]But unfortunately I have to make a decision.”