RTÉ has won the right to broadcast exclusive live coverage of all games in the RBS 6 Nations Championships on television, radio and online between 2010 and 2013 inclusive.
This ensures that the next six years of Six Nations rugby will be broadcast live exclusively on RTÉ media outlets.
Building on the last agreement which granted RTÉ live broadcast rights of the tournament between 2006 and 2009, this new four-year term also grants RTÉ host broadcast rights for all of the Irish home matches between 2010 and 2013.
Glen Killane, Group Head of RTÉ Sport, said today: 'The RBS 6 Nations is one of the world's greatest annual sporting events, one which deserves to be seen by all for free, and one which merits the highest standards in production.
'On behalf of the Irish public RTÉ is delighted to be renewing our very strong and positive relationship with Six Nations until 2013.
'This agreement will ensure that the public has more choice than ever before, through our coverage on RTÉ Television, RTÉ.ie and RTÉ Radio 1.
'We look forward to working with the Six Nations to continue to build audiences across all of our platforms. On RTÉ Television audiences have grown by 85% since 2004, a testament to the strength of the tournament and RTÉs commitment to high-quality output.'
John Feehan, CEO, Six Nations Rugby Ltd, said: 'Our relationship with RTÉ has been one of long-standing, mutual benefit and very positive co-operation.
'It’s one that has seen the RBS 6 Nations extending its reach to growing numbers of new rugby fans across the country. We’re greatly looking forward to continuing our relationship with RTÉ in supporting and growing the RBS 6 Nations tournament for years to come.'
RTÉ’s comprehensive coverage of RBS 6 Nations 2008, which begins the weekend after next, will include:
All 15 matches across the five weekends of the tournament broadcast live on RTÉ Two
All international matches streamed live on RTÉ.ie within the Island of Ireland
All of Ireland’s matches broadcast live on RTÉ Radio 1 FM
An hour-long highlights programme after each of Ireland’s games on RTÉ Two
Full details of RTÉ's coverage and programme teams will be announced next week.
