The deal is a first for rugby anywhere in the world. The RBS 6 Nations’ official YouTube channel, ‘RBS6Nations’, will have highlights from every championship match available to watch within minutes of the match finishing.

As an added bonus for viewers in the UK, Ireland and Italy, comprehensive highlights will be uploaded and available 24 hours after the games.

The channel will also give viewers the chance to watch a wealth of archive moments from past tournaments, which will be uploaded on a regular basis.

From the 2013 season youtube.com/RBS6Nations will be the premier online destination for all the tries, tackles and drama from the top tier of world rugby.

John Feehan, Chief Executive Officer at RBS 6 Nations, said: “This is a fantastic development for the sport.

“The channel will be the place to watch online coverage of the tournament and will provide our viewers with excellent footage from this year’s games as well as some of the glorious moments from the past.”

Stephen Nuttall, Senior Director, Sports for YouTube Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: "The Six Nations is one of the world’s great sporting occasions and we’re very proud of this partnership which will bring comprehensive highlights to YouTube users.

“We intend to build on this to establish YouTube as the online destination for rugby worldwide.”