Celtic Unions strike deal for Autumn Internationals with BBC

The IRFU, SRU and WRU have agreed a five year deal with the BBC to cover their Autumn Internationals on terrestrial television.

The new deal also includes all home internationals for Ireland, Scotland and Wales; all matches against regional sides during the Autumn International period; live Celtic League play-off rights for BBC Scotland and highlights rights for for BBC Northern Ireland with the final also to be shown on network television on their Grandstand programme.

The agreement was welcomed yesterday by IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne.

“The new five-year autumn international deal represents a strong statement by the BBC on behalf of rugby in the Celtic unions” he said.

“Coming in the wake of the new Celtic League contract with Setanta Sport, the BBC initiative provides further necessary revenues for our unions, while also providing a wider landscape for the viewing of the matches.

“Domestically, discussions with RTE regardign the renewal of their Republic of Ireland territory rights for the autumn games are in place.

Niall Cogley of Setanta welcomed the news, saying

“Our relationship with the BBC already exists. This new agreement now also endorses the Celtic League product in the mindset of the public.”