BBC Sport Extends Scottish Rugby Deal
The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has reached a deal with BBC Sport which will see all of Scotland’s autumn international matches held at Murrayfield broadcast by the BBC in 2014 and 2016.
BBC Sport already has the rights to show live coverage of this year’s set of autumn internationals which will feature games against Japan, South Africa and Australia. The annual series of matches will not be played in 2015 due to the World Cup.
Mark Dodson, chief executive of the SRU, said of the deal: ‘Our broadcast partnerships are important to Scottish Rugby and I am delighted that the BBC will continue to be on board with us during our autumn tests through until 2016. Their coverage enables us to showcase Scotland international matches at Murrayfield to a wide audience throughout the UK and is appreciated by supporters.’
BBC Sport director Barbara Slater commented: ‘The autumn international matches are an important part of our rugby union output and are very popular with audiences across BBC TV, radio and online. These are big internationals against some of the most powerful rugby nations and so a crucial part of the season, ahead of the Six Nations which is always hugely anticipated by fans across the UK.’
The Scottish team is currently in South Africa taking part in a mini-tournament featuring Italy, Samoa and South Africa, they were beaten 30-17 by the hosts on the weekend.
