Six Nations Rugby will be broadcast on the BBC up to and including the 2013 tournament, following a new deal announced today by BBC Sport and the Six Nations Committee.

The new deal extends BBC Sport's current contract, as exclusive broadcaster of the Six Nations, which runs until 2009 and covers TV, radio and online.

This year's tournament, one of the most exciting in Six Nations history, saw audiences increase to their highest level for eight years, with an average audience of 4.3 million per match and an average share of 31%.

This continued the period of year-on-year growth that began when Six Nations Rugby returned exclusively to the BBC in 2003.

In total over 30 million people within the British Isles watched some of this year's tournament.

BBC Sport Director of Sport Rights, Dominic Coles, said: "We're delighted to have renewed our partnership with the biggest annual rugby tournament in the world, a crown jewel in the annual sporting calendar.

"Audiences for the Six Nations have grown significantly since the tournament returned to the BBC four years ago and we look forward to continuing to work with the Six Nations Committee to build interest even further through the BBC's unparalleled offering of TV, radio, online and interactive services.

"We really value the Six Nations Committee's commitment and partnership and look forward to another six years of bringing top class rugby to our audiences."

John Feehan, Chief Executive of the RBS Six Nations, said: "We are delighted to continue working with the BBC and would like to thank them for their effort and outstanding work over the last few years.

"We're looking forward to a fruitful relationship for the years to come."