If we go back to the days when rugby was only shown on BBC [either 1 or 2], there was almost as much rugby being played but matches were only shown live during the [then] 5 Nations.
A 5 Nations weekend would usually show one of the two matches available, depending on where in the UK that you lived but on occasions you would get one match on BBC1 and one on BBC2, often at the same time. No highlights programmes.
On an average week, there was between 1/2 hour and an hour of Rugby Special on BBC2, variously aired at 7.30pm or 11.30pm on Saturday or 12.30pm or 5.30pm on Sunday.
I also used to enjoy the BBC2 Rugby League "Floodlight Special" on a Tuesday night.
Frankly, BBC weren't competing and just assumed it was their right to broadcast rugby. They even lost out to ITV for the World Cups.
It all changed [in England!] when Sky started showing some Premiership games and Super Ten games
Nowadays, thanks to Sky and others, I can watch all the Autumn internationals, 6 Nations, Rugby Championship, most Heineken Cup, most Amlin, usually three Premiership matches per week, end of season play-offs, Anglo-Welsh Cup, Super 15, Top 14, Currie Cup, NPC Provincial Championship, and so on!!!!
Far from preventing rugby supporters from watching rugby
