RTÉ today launched details of its Magners League coverage marking the return of live Irish provincial rugby to terrestrial/free-to-air television for the first time in four years.
Beginning this Friday 3 September with Leinster’s opening game of the season against Glasgow Warriors in Scotland, up to 35 live matches are set to be broadcast on RTÉ Two television this season, and for the next four seasons, as part of a new deal secured by RTÉ alongside fellow public service broadcasters TG4, BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Cymru Wales, S4C and BBC ALBA
Ryle Nugent, RTÉ Group Head of Sport said: 'This is a ground breaking agreement involving six separate public service broadcasters. In Ireland, RTÉ is sharing broadcast rights with TG4 to ensure that Irish audiences will be able to enjoy the Irish provinces in action every week.
'The Irish provincial teams are some of the best supported teams in Europe and we are delighted to play a key role in bringing the action to viewers free-to-air.'
Joining RTÉ’s renowned rugby team of George Hook, Brent Pope and Conor O’Shea are former Irish internationals Donal Lenihan, Victor Costello and Frankie Sheahan, while new signing Daire O'Brien joins Tom McGurk and Joanne Cantwell to present Magners League Live across the season.
Looking forward to the new season RTÉ rugby analyst Brent Pope said: 'I'm delighted to be involved in the Magners League this season and the excitement of live provincial Irish rugby. I’m looking forward to watching Connacht, Ulster, Leinster and Munster live in action on RTÉ and seeing which provinces make their mark on the league this year.”
In addition to live television coverage, RTÉ.ie will also simultaneously stream RTÉ’s coverage within the island of Ireland while also providing a catch-up service on the RTÉ Player and an in-depth focus on the Irish province’s campaigns, the latest news, live and on-demand video and audio, and incisive debate and analysis at www.rte.ie/magnersleague.
Magners League stories, fixtures, live scores, results and more will also be available on RTÉ Aertel and RTÉ Mobile at m.rte.ie/sport. RTÉ Radio will also feature Magners League coverage across FM, LW, DAB and online throughout the season
RTÉ’s Magners League coverage adds to an already extensive range of sport on offer from RTÉ this season including live coverage of the Champions League, the Guinness Series of autumn rugby Internationals, the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2010 qualifiers and three European title fights for Irish boxers on Pro Box Live.
