News > 2010

9 June 2010

BBC ALBA SECURES EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO MAGNERS LEAGUE RUGBY

BBC ALBA has signed an exclusive deal to show live Magners League rugby in Scotland for the next four years.

The package of matches will see live Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors games return to our screens and provide a boost for rugby fans and the professional game in Scotland.

The channel is committed to showing at least eight Edinburgh or Glasgow home matches per season, and has teamed up with Irish and Welsh broadcasters to also provide live coverage of selected away matches for both sides.

This allows BBC ALBA to give unparalleled access to the country’s professional sides, with one or occasionally two fixtures being shown on match weekends as Scottish teams visit Ireland, Wales and Italy throughout the campaign.

Home match production will be produced for BBC ALBA by mneTV, with commentary in Gaelic along with trackside analysis and interviews in English. Most coverage of home matches is likely to be provided on Friday nights but will be confirmed in due course.

Announcement of the Magners League contract adds to the extensive sports package shown on the channel, with live Scottish league and cup football already featured recently plus live shinty to look forward to in the coming weeks and months.

Alan Esslemont, head of content for BBC ALBA, said: “I am delighted that BBC ALBA has been able to secure live Magners League rugby in Scotland for the next four years.

Alan Esslemont with rugby players

“I believe the deal will be extremely fruitful for all concerned – fans, viewers, Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors, rugby in Scotland and also for the channel. Last season, our Scottish professional teams reached new levels of success in the Magners League and we look forward to supporting them as they embark on the new season ahead, through our exclusive live TV coverage.

“We recently followed Glasgow Warriors to their semi-final against the Ospreys in Wales and although the result wasn’t the one we were all hoping for, the match was a highly successful one for the channel and was greatly enjoyed by our viewers.

“With full season coverage now on BBC ALBA, the rugby will undoubtedly draw new viewers to the channel and we hope they will enjoy what we have to offer as we continue to demonstrate our commitment to both grassroots and professional Scottish sport.”

Commenting on today's news, Glasgow Warriors Chief Executive, Kenny Baillie, said: "I'm delighted that BBC ALBA has chosen to support Scotland's professional rugby teams in the Magners League.

"Being able to watch live rugby coverage throughout the season is a real boost to our supporters and should help grow the support on and off the field for both Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby.”

Edinburgh Head Coach, Rob Moffat, added: "The Magners League is getting bigger and bigger every year so it's great news that the professional game in Scotland will now receive broadcast coverage from BBC ALBA.

"Obviously the best place to experience live rugby is at the host venue, but for those who can't make it along to either Murrayfield, Firhill or our away games, this is a fantastic development."

Dominic McKay Scottish Rugby's, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, added: "We are delighted that both Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors will receive significantly increased broadcast coverage for the seasons ahead.

"Securing regular live coverage of Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh matches has been a focus for Scottish Rugby in recent seasons and we welcome today's announcement by BBC ALBA.

"Both Glasgow and Edinburgh enjoyed a successful season last year and it's great news for rugby and sports fans in Scotland that they will now have access to regular live coverage of both professional teams.

"We look forward to working closely with BBC ALBA in the seasons ahead."