The IRFU have announced details of new broadcast partnerships with both RTE and Sky Sports for the rights to broadcast the Guinness Series November Internationals from 2014.
Sky Sports will have the rights to broadcast the Ireland November internationals for the first time in what is a new long-term relationship for both organisations. Sky Sports will have the rights to the games as part of a four year deal up to and including 2017.
The new agreement with RTE Sport is an extension of the existing contract that ends this year, but will see RTE continue in a similar four year agreement to broadcast the November games until 2017. In addition to the November games, RTE will also be broadcasting further representative fixtures including the O2 Ireland Wolfhounds and the Ireland under-20 team.
RTE already retain the rights to the RBS 6 Nations Championship through a direct agreement with the tournament organisers, the Six Nations.
IRFU CEO Philip Browne said: “Irish Rugby and RTE have a longstanding relationship and we are delighted to be announcing this new agreement which will ensure that Ireland games continue to be seen on RTE channels over the next four years. As well as the Guinness Series International games in November, RTE remain a broadcaster of the RBS 6 Nations Championship and this new agreement will also see other representative games screened live, which is a vital element to the promotion and development of the sport in Ireland.
“The addition of Sky Sports as a partner also promises to be beneficial to the game in Ireland. Sky Sports has built a reputation as one of the top broadcasters of rugby over the last 10 years and are synonymous with the professional game at both European and international levels. The IRFU are delighted to be able to announce this partnership and believe that the quality of Sky Sports coverage of our November internationals will be a wonderful platform for Irish Rugby.”
