TV3 & European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) have announced a four year agreement, which will see TV3 broadcast Live ‘Champions Cup’ rugby on free-to-air television for the first time since 2006.
As part of this deal, TV3 will broadcast one live ‘Champions Cup’ match per week of the tournament from the beginning of next season (October 2018) until the Final in May 2022.
The agreement includes six group stage matches followed by one Quarter-Final, one Semi-Final and the Champions Cup Final.
A weekly highlights show featuring the Irish sides participating in the Champions Cup will also be broadcast every weekend of the tournament.
Speaking about the announcement,TV3’s Managing Director Pat Kiely said:
“We are delighted to be bringing Champions Cup rugby to TV3. This deal reflects the great momentum we now have and, as part of Virgin Media, we continue to deliver more great content and live events for our viewers and customers. We are clearly in a golden era for Irish rugby and Irish audiences can now look forward to even more action from club and country on TV3.”
EPCR Chief Executive Vincent Gaillard added:
“Irish passion for rugby is part of the fabric of the Champions Cup and we are delighted to take the competition into the homes of even more fans through this deal with TV3. Not only will we be increasing our coverage in Ireland but we will do so with a broadcaster boasting extensive experience and knowledge of the sport.”
This news comes following a hugely successful first Six Nations campaign for TV3, which saw over 720,000 viewers tune into Ireland’s penultimate game against Scotland and earned a 69.7% share of the viewership.
Even more are expected to have tuned into Ireland winning the Grand Slam in Twickenham on St. Patrick’s Day, further solidifying TV3's confidence in their 'Champions Cup' investment ahead of this announcement.
The contract is set to begin in October 2018.