RTÉ Sport nabs rights for RBS 6 Nations rugby

Irish public broadcaster RTÉ has won the rights to cover the RBS 6 Nations rugby union championship until 2017. RTÉ Sport was awarded the four year extension to its existing broadcast contract last week and now has exclusive terrestrial rights for the tournament in the Republic of Ireland that include radio and online coverage as well as television.

“We are delighted to have extended our contract with RTÉ for an additional four years,” says John Feehan, chief executive of 6 Nations Rugby. “The work of the broadcasters in the promotion and development of the game is of tremendous importance and we would like to thank RTÉ for their efforts over the years. We look forward to working with them for a further four years.”

Ryle Nugent, group head of sport for RTÉ, comments that the 6 Nations was a “key part” of the broadcaster’s public service offering, with a long history as a major international sporting event. “This is good news for Irish sports fans and means that all 15 matches will continue to be free-to-air for Irish audiences over the next five years,” he explains. “We have always enjoyed a successful relationship with John Feehan and the Six Nations Committee and are very pleased to be continuing our partnership up to and including the tournament in 2017.”