Sports rights agency Pitch International has won the international media distribution rights to the Six Nations, the northern hemisphere's premier international rugby competition.

The four-year deal will run from next year's tournament until the 2013. Pitch reportedly beat three other major agencies to the contract.

"We are delighted to work with Pitch on our international media rights," said John Feehan, chief executive of Six Nations Rugby Ltd. "They clearly have shown a huge understanding of how to build prestige rugby brands in different markets around the World and I'm sure that the RBS Six Nations, the largest annual rugby tournament in the World, will benefit hugely from their expertise and experience."

Trevor East, chairman of Pitch International, said: "We are delighted to have been invited to represent the Six Nations, a jewel in the crown of international rugby. Six Nations has recognised how we've increased revenues and exposure in existing and new territories for our other rugby partners in recent years. Combining Six Nations with our other rugby rights puts us in a strong position to enable us to continue that growth."