BBC Northern Ireland secure four season deal for rugby’s Guinness PRO12 coverage
BBC Northern Ireland have secured a new four-season deal to provide live coverage of Ulster’s matches in rugby’s Guinness PRO12. Sky Sports are new partner broadcasters, along with BBC Wales, S4C, BBC Alba, BBC Scotland, TG4, with discussions for an Italian broadcaster ongoing.
“I am delighted that we have secured these rugby rights. Live Friday night Ulster rugby has proven to be very popular with a wider viewing audience at home, with the games regularly being amongst the most watched programmes on BBC Two in Northern Ireland.” -Peter Johnston, Director BBC NI
In the league section of the PRO12, BBC NI will have live coverage on BBC Two NI of all Ulster’s home and away matches not selected for broadcast by Sky. Those matches that Sky do select will be live on BBC Radio Ulster. BBC NI has also secured live TV coverage of any play-off match, including the final, involving Ulster. Stephen Watson will present the BBC Sport NI television coverage of the PRO12 and Nikki Gregg will present coverage on BBC Radio Ulster. With Jim Neilly in the commentary box, expert analysis and co-commentary will come from a range of ex-players, including Ryan Constable, Bryn Cunningham, Andy Ward, Tony McWhirter and Maurice Field.
The first match of the season, Scarlets Vs Ulster from Parc y Scarlets Stadium, Llanelli, on Saturday, September 6th, will be broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster. The first match to be broadcast on television will be Ulster Vs Zebre on Friday, September 12th.
“There is now more interest in rugby in Ulster than ever before and that is thanks in many ways to the excellent coverage that BBC Sport NI has given the sport in recent years. The large viewing figures reflect the excitement that PRO12 rugby generates but are also testament to the comprehensive and insightful coverage that the BBC Sport NI team provide. I am extremely pleased that BBC Sport NI has extended its successful partnership with PRO12 rugby and I look forward to many more Ulster Rugby matches on both television and radio in the coming seasons.” -Shane Logan, Chief Executive, Ulster Rugby
