Sky Sports & Pitch International Take RFU Rights

13 Aug 2015 | tshego

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Sky Sports and Pitch International, in conjunction with the Rugby Football Union, have agreed a deal to distribute England Rugby’s international rights for the next four years.

The announcement comes after Sky Sports and the RFU extended their partnership in October last year, taking the relationship into its third decade.

The latest broadcast agreement, which sees Sky Sports become a top level RFU partner, includes the rights to sell England’s home games internationally for the first time.

Sky Sports and Pitch International will now sell the rights to all of England Rugby’s home fixtures excluding the RBS 6 Nations and IRB Rugby World Cup.

The deal starts in August and will continue until the 2019/20 season.

Richard Verow, commercial director of Sky Sports, said: “We have worked closely with the RFU for over twenty years and are now excited to be part of the team responsible for the sale of their international rights. Together with Pitch International, we share the RFU’s aim to grow the sport and this new deal will give us the opportunity to ensure England Rugby is seen by an increasing audience around the world.”

Jon Owen, partner at Pitch International, added: “Pitch International is delighted to be extending its partnership with both Sky and the RFU until 2020. As the IRB Rugby World Cup approaches, excitement around the English rugby team has rarely been higher and we look forward to making sure this interest, and the legacy it leaves, is enjoyed by rugby fans across every continent.”

Sophie Goldschmidt, RFU chief commercial and marketing officer, said: “2015 will see unprecedented exposure for England Rugby and the deep relationship with Sky and Pitch International will enable us to maximise this opportunity for the good of the sport, long term. We look forward to working with both organisations to optimise England Rugby’s international broadcast exposure.”