THE IRFU HAVE today announced the launch of a new streaming platform, IrishRugby+.
The union’s first ever streaming platform comes through its sports innovation partnership with Enterprise Ireland, with Cork-based company Wiistream teaming up with the IRFU to provide the service.
IrishRugby+ will broadcast selected All-Ireland League fixtures across the year, along with selected games, such as the upcoming Emerging Ireland tour.
IrishRugby+ will also provide links to additional club streams that are made available to them on a weekly basis.
IRFU director of communication Aoide Clarke said: “As we embark on a new season of club rugby it is vital that we continue to invest in promoting and enhancing our coverage of the Energia All Ireland Leagues.
“We are delighted to work with Wiistream to develop Irish Rugby+ and are looking forward to growing the service over the coming years. It is very apt that we take this step in our 150th year, where we reflect and celebrate the journey and contribution rugby has made, with a focus on how we can continue to grow the game in the future.”
Supporters can access games on the platform by registering on IrishRugby+.
This weekend’s selected livestream comes in the Energia Women’s All Ireland League, with defending champions UL Bohemians taking on Blackrock at 5pm on Saturday.
IRFU and Energia Livestreams on IrishRugby+:
- 28 September: Women’s – Blackrock v UL Bohemians, 5pm
- 19 October: Women’s – Suttonians v Wicklow, 5pm
- 26 October: Men’s – Ballynahinch v Garryowen, 2.30pm
- 9 November: Men’s – St Mary’s College v Terenure, 2.30pm
- 16 November: Women’s – Tullow v Suttonians, 5pm
- 23 November: Women’s – Ballincollig v Cooke, 5pm
- 7 December: Women’s – Belvedere v Galwegians, 5pm
- 13 December: Men’s – Corinthians v Buccaneers, 5pm
- 4 January: Men’s – Bateman Cup Final
- 25 January: Men’s – Men’s Junior Cup Final
- 1 March: Men’s – Cork Constitution v Lansdowne, 2.30pm
- 8 March: Women’s – Railway v Blackrock, 5pm
- 13 April: Women’s – Women’s Semi Finals
- 19 April: Men’s – Division 1A Semi Finals
Good start – but showing bottom of the table women’s fixtures instead of Div 1B playoffs….
@Peter O’Donnell: It is literally the first game of the season! There should be a balance throughout the season.
Fantastic development! (if free). Presume it will get Ire under 20s 6 nations and WC too and maybe even schools cup games
@Andrew Slazenger: U20 6N and WC are already free to air …
Surely they’ll struggle to keep up with the demand for the women’s AIL. It’ll end up costing us an arm and a leg, but at least it will allow the fans who aren’t lucky enough to pick up tickets to attend and see their heroes.
@Patrick Breen: Clearly it is of huge benefit to you, Patrick. This allows you ample opportunity to sharpen up on your misogyny!
@Paul Ennis: Women’s AIL is rubbish in fairness.
@David Lynch: Irish rugby was rubbish not so long ago
Will it be free?
@Ray Browne: I signed up this morning and didn’t have to give any payment details, so presumably yes.
@Ray Browne: ‘Free’ is explicitly stated in the full Press Release
What platform is showing the emerging Ireland tour
@Gary Galligan: This is, based on something that I read this morning
@Gary Galligan: ESPN 8 the ocho
@Gary Galligan: dogdy box are something
Another stitch up
This is a great development. Creates wider accessibility and coverage of games that would otherwise not be available to watch on tv/online, and over time you’d imagine a premium offering also emerges which creates a revenue stream for Irish rugby. Before people gripe about that, pro sport is invariably funded to some degree by paid TV subscriptions. If everything is free, there is no business model to support a pro game. This seems like potentially a good way to find balance.
How long will it be until the unions / leagues will be able to sell their products (matches) directly to the public w/o having to pass through 3rd party (television channels)?