Updated at 11.06am
BT SPORT HAS secured exclusive rights to screen both the European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup for the four-year cycle between 2018 and 2022.
It means that rugby fans will no longer need to invest in two sports subscription packages as Sky Sports steps out of the market.
The EPCR has also reserved the rights for free-to-air coverage in both Ireland and the UK and will take those rights to market at a later date.
A spokesperson for RTÉ said the station does not comment on rights packages that are not yet brought to the market. However, given that TV3 takes over Six Nations coverage in 2018, it is difficult to imagine the national broadcaster not attempting to secure the free-to-air rights.
EPCR CEO Vincent Gaillard said:
“The interest that we have seen through the tender process shows how the tournaments continue to go from strength-to-strength.
Having one premium pay-television broadcaster in BT Sport will simplify the viewing experience for those fans and coverage on free-to-air television will give greater exposure to our outstanding rugby experiences.”
One season remains on the existing deal with both BT Sport and Sky Sports sharing the rights to broadcast the competitions.
Originally published at 10.15am.
