England clash risks being first in DECADES not to be shown on live TV amid frantic rush to agree deal
ENGLAND’S clash with Japan next month is in danger of becoming the first Red Rose men’s Test not televised live in decades.
Rugby chiefs are reportedly scrambling to agree a deal for the clash with ex-boss Eddie Jones‘ new team in Tokyo on June 22.
The Times say negotiations have yet to find a solution.
And if no answer is found, the RFU could end up streaming England‘s summer opener on its website.
Japan – coached by ex-Red Rose boss Jones – will travel to Britain this winter.
After playing New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, Steve Borthwick’s men will finish their packed November schedule against the Brave Blossoms.
But the fixture before that, in the Japanese capital in five weeks’ time, is causing concern off the pitch.
Sky Sports signed a deal with Southern Hemisphere rugby chiefs (Sanzaar) to show England’s two summer tests against New Zealand.
The Red Rose face the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland on July 6 and 13.
But Sanzaar does not cover Japan, meaning there is currently a broadcasting hole for that match
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England last played the Brave Blossoms in November 2022, registering a 34-12 win in a World Cup pool game at Nice Stadium.
Japan have not visited Twickenham since a 52-13 defeat in November 2022.
Red Rose chief Jones was sacked jut a month after that
He took charge of home country Australia for a second time in January 2023 – but resigned 10 months later after a dire World Cup saw the Wallabies slump to ninth in the world rankings.
Jones then made it two spells leading Japan when they appointed him coach last December.