Sky Sports & RFU Convert Long-term Deal
The Rugby Football Union and Sky Sports have extended their long-stading partnership through until the end of the 2019/20 season, as the pair prepare for kick off of the 2014 Autumn International series.
The new five-year deal will also see the BSkyB subsidiary become a top-level RFU partner for the first time.
England play host to New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia at Twickenham in November, with all four games shown on Sky Sports.
Beginning in July, the new partnership will include exclusive live coverage of England’s QBE internationals, warm up games for the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup internationals, England Women, Under 20, Under 18 and England Saxon fixtures as well as a minimum of 11 Green King IPA Championship matches.
The network will also work closely with the governing body to support grassroots rugby.
Finally, an in-match clips package will enable near-live match updates across the RFU and Sky Sports websites and social media channels.
Sophie Goldschmidt, chief commercial and marketing officer for the RFU said: ‘We have a long term, trusted relationship with Sky Sports and are delighted that it is continuing.’
‘They have an acknowledged reputation as a premier worldwide broadcaster, who always look to take sport to new levels both editorially and in terms of innovation. We are looking forward to not only showcasing our England teams in the best possible way, but also to exploring opportunities to support the grassroots, so the whole game benefits further.’
Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis added: ‘At Sky Sports, we share the RFU’s aims to grow the sport before and after next year’s World Cup by investing across the game, and innovating with our coverage to reach new audiences.’
