ITV axes popular rugby highlights show as fans blast 'disappointing' move amid TNT Sports TV deal

The Rugby Premiership Highlights show will no longer air on ITV, to many fans’ dismay. Ex-presenter and former rugby player David Flatman said on X (formerly Twitter): "For the millions [of] you asking where the Prem Rugby Highlights show is, it’s no more. Well, not as we knew it.

"It was a great run, so thank you @premrugby for the memories and the sandwiches. Now it’s onwards with the kings and queens of @rugbyontnt - chuffed to be on the team x."

The free-to-view ITV show will be replaced by coverage on sports subscription service TNT Sports. It comes after bosses of Gallagher Premiership struck a new exclusive TV deal with the channel, which will broadcast matches and highlight shows.

Fans have said that they are “disappointed” with the decision to axe the ITV hit show, with one saying in response to Flatman: “Really [a] shame. Was a great show allowing non-traditional rugby fans & less well-off communities to get a taste of the Prem."

Another added: “No terrestrial TV is another nail in the game's coffin, shame on @premrugby and @RFU."

However, while the traditional highlight show has been axed, there will still be a chance to catch highlights on ITV. A new highlights show will air every Wednesday at 11.45am on ITV4, although it will feature matches previously aired on TNT Sports.