BBC and ITV 'launch bid for Six Nations'

24m watch the Six Nations in the UK, including 1.9m in Wales

The BBC and ITV have launched a joint bid to broadcast rugby's Six Nations competition from 2018, it is understood.

The broadcasters are believed to have joined forces in an attempt to keep the event on free-to-air television, following interest from pay TV operators including Sky Sports.

A decision on the new deal is expected by the end of the week.

The BBC and ITV's bid is reported to be worth £50m a year to the game.

It is understood this is the only bid the BBC has made for the RBS Six Nations.

The BBC has not attempted to retain its exclusive coverage of the event, in light of the increasing cost of sports rights agreements.

The current deal with the BBC lasts until the end of 2017.

'Huge mistake'

Last week, Welsh Culture and Sports Minister Ken Skates warned it could be "very dangerous and damaging" if the tournament was lost to satellite channels.

Labour's shadow sports minister has welcomed the reports.

Clive Efford claims it would be a "huge mistake" for the tournament to be limited to pay TV.

He said: "I welcome the BBC and ITV working together to ensure Six Nations stays on free-to-air television.

"It would be a huge mistake for another rugby competition to be put on subscription television, further limiting the exposure the sport gets, particularly to the next generation of potential rugby fans."