Rugby League Set For TV Boost

Rugby league’s second-tier domestic competition, the National League, is set for
a significant boost with a TV deal with British Eurosport close to completion.

The Rugby Football League is believed to have brokered a deal which will see
British Eurosport broadcast live National League matches on Thursday nights this
year.

The deal will raise the league’s hopes of securing a new sponsor for the
second-tier competition following the withdrawal of LHF Healthplan at the end of
last season, as well as breaking the near monopoly on domestic league fixtures
that Sky has enjoyed since the formation of Super League in 1996.

A number of former Super League clubs including Widnes, Halifax and
Castleford are now plying their trade in the National League and the TV revenue
will provide a welcome fillip for the second-tier clubs.

RFL media manager Andrew Whitelam commented: ‘We have always been seeking to
maximise broadcast coverage for the exciting rugby league produced by the
National League competitions and are continuing to do so.’