Sky Sports Signs Rugby Broadcast Deals with France, Italy & Ireland

Sky Sports have further endeavoured into the rugby market by signing broadcast deals with three 6 Nations teams for four years from 2014.

The broadcaster will show Ireland’s Guinness Series as well as France and Italy’s Autumn Internationals.

Managing director of Sky Sports Barney Francis said: “Our rugby union schedule has never been stronger and only on Sky Sports can viewers now enjoy such a strong lineup of live autumn Internationals.

“With European teams taking on the finest southern hemisphere opposition each November, these matches make for fascinating viewing. 

“Add these agreements to our year round coverage of rugby union, including the British & Irish Lions and Heineken Cup, and Sky Sports continues as the home of televised rugby union.”

Chief executive of the IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union) Philip Browne added: “Sky Sports has built a reputation as one of the top broadcasters of rugby over the last ten 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.”

The three four-year deals join England’s QBE Internationals on Sky’s schedules
.