ITV’s ditching of a beloved highlights show has left fans absolutely “devastated”.
It emerged this week that the broadcaster’s Premiership Rugby Highlights show has been axed.
The show – which aired on ITV 1 and ITV4 on Sundays – has been chopped following TNT Sports‘ acquisition of the Gallagher Premiership’s TV rights.
The axing of the show was revealed by its former presenter and ex-Saracens star David Flatman.
He wrote on X: “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.”
Ruggers fans up and down the nation were left gutted by the news, with one writing on X: “Really [a] shame.
“Was a great show allowing non-traditional rugby fans & less well-off communities to get a taste of the Prem.”
Another said: “Such a sad day for Prem rugby and another nail in the coffin for this once great game.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
“May this game be restored to an amateur sport to bring it back from imminent death.”
And another said: “Hugely disappointing.”
One remarked: “Massive shame this.”
Another chimed in: “No terrestrial TV is another nail in the game’s coffin, shame on @premrugby and @RFU.”
Rugby union, however, fans shouldn’t fear as ITV has secretly created a new highlights show which will be aired several days after TNT has shown them.
Terrestrial TV viewers will be able to watch highlights on the new Gallagher Premiership Unleashed show, will air every Wednesday at 11:45am
Daniel Dubois produced a stunning display to knock Anthony Joshua out and retain his IBF world title belt in front of more than 96,000 people at Wembley Stadium
Michael van Gerwen saw off fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen in a thrilling final to claim the Hungarian Darts Trophy in Budapest.Van Gerwen emerged with an 8-7 vic
Saquon Barkley’s two touchdowns in the final quarter helped Philadelphia Eagles snatch a 15-12 win over New Orleans Saints.The Saints held a 3-0 lead courtesy
Falkirk led at Celtic Park approaching the final 20 minutes but substitute Nicolas Kuhn produced two assists for Adam Idah and two goals himself as the Hoops s