Sky Sports Reaches New Rugby Deal

LONDON: Sky Sports has signed a new four-year agreement with the ERC for exclusive coverage of European rugby competitions, starting in fall 2014 and carrying on through the end of the 2017-18 season.

The agreement features the Heineken Cup, covering exclusive live matches from each of the first four rounds, plus all knock-out stages and finals for a further four seasons across the U.K. and Ireland. The deal also covers the Amlin Challenge Cup, with exclusive live coverage of matches in the opening rounds, knock-out stages, both semi-finals and finals across both territories.

Barney Francis, the managing director of Sky Sports, said: “This new deal with the ERC gives us live European Rugby for another four seasons.” He continued: “We have been pleased to be partners with the ERC for over a decade and see their tournaments grow. This is Rugby of the highest quality and these competitions give our viewers over 60 live games across eight months.
 
“The Heineken Cup and Amlin Cup will continue to line up with our exclusive live coverage of the British & Irish Lions, England’s autumn internationals and the best Rugby from the southern hemisphere.”
 
Derek McGrath, ERC’s chief executive, added, “Over the past ten years Sky Sports has made a major contribution to the development of European club rugby and ERC is delighted to be able to extend our partnership for a further four seasons until 2018. Sky Sports’ innovative coverage and commitment has greatly enhanced the game in Europe and we look forward to working together over the next six seasons as the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup reaches new heights.”