SKY SPORTS HAS snapped up rights to broadcast Ireland’s November Series rugby internationals from 2014 onwards.
The four-year TV deal, which runs until 2017, was announced by the IRFU this morning as part of “a new long-term relationship for both organisations.”
But Irish fans won’t be forced to shell out after RTÉ confirmed that it has retained the rights to show the autumn games as part of a four-year extension to its terrestrial free-to-air agreement.
RTÉ already holds the rights to the RBS 6 Nations Championship, which starts with Ireland’s trip to Wales on Saturday afternoon, through a direct agreement with the tournament organisers.
Along with the Irish games Sky announced that it will also show France and Italy’s autumn internationals from 2014. The pay TV broadcaster already has the rights to England’s QBE International series.
“The quality of Sky Sports coverage of our November internationals will be a wonderful platform for Irish Rugby,” IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said in a short statement.
