RUGBY:IN A reversal of 2007, RTÉ Sport have fended off TV3 in the bidding process to secure 13 live matches, including Ireland's Pool games, for next year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
TG4 were also pleased to confirm they had secured deferred coverage of what they consider the best 24 of the 48 matches, by brokering a separate deal with Rugby World Cup Ltd, a subsidiary company of the IRB.
TG4’s agreement allows them to broadcast games in the 10.30am to 4pm window each day, including Ireland’s Pool fixtures against the USA (kick-off 7am Irish time on RTÉ and Setanta Ireland), Australia (9.30am), Russia (7am) and Italy (9.30am).
RTÉ will also provide a full highlights package of every other game during the tournament, which begins on September 9th when New Zealand play Tonga at Eden Park in Auckland.
The final on October 23rd, is also at Eden Park.
“We are delighted to have secured these rights to ensure that the Irish public will enjoy live free-to-air coverage of all of Ireland’s games at Rugby World Cup next year,” said Ryle Nugent, RTÉ’s group head of sport.
“The tournament showcases the best teams in the world and fans can look forward to following the Irish team’s progression every step of the way on all of RTÉ’s platforms.
“The awarding of these rights to RTÉ is recognition by RWCL of the quality of our sports coverage and we look forward to sharing what is set to be a momentous sporting occasion with the Irish public.”
Setanta Sports secured the rights for the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, and in so doing forced terrestrial stations in Ireland to sublet off them in order to broadcast Ireland matches.
ITV will also be broadcasting all of the games as the British rights holder.
Like RTÉ in 2007, TV3 will have no coverage of the tournament.
This deal also represents another coup for TG4, having already secured live coverage of the International Rules Series between Ireland and Australia this year and next October in Australia as well as shared coverage of the Magners League with RTÉ.
“It is further proof that we are serious about our rugby coverage and this is just another stepping stone,” said TG4’s sports editor Rónán Ó Coisdealbha.
“We will be showing 24 of the best games in the competition during the day. This includes all Ireland’s matches and every big game, working back from the final on October 23rd.”
Setanta, as the primary rights holders, have live access to all 48 matches (when there is a fixture clash they will show the secondary game on Setanta Sports 1) and will also be providing a highlights and analyst package.
Despite losing coverage of the Magners League this season, they have continued a rugby presence with The Breakdown show presented by former Leinster, Ulster and Scotland coach Matt Williams.
“The tournament organisers have shown a good deal of scheduling sense with regard to viewers in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Brian Quinn of Setanta Ireland. “Ireland’s Pool games and the knockout stages are either Saturday or Sunday and at a decent hour.”
Mike Miller, Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) managing director, added: “RWCL is delighted to be extending its association with RTÉ Sport to broadcast Rugby World Cup 2011 throughout Ireland.
“RTÉ is recognised as a leading broadcaster of quality sports coverage and with its extensive broadcast experience of rugby and commitment to the game RTÉ will ensure the perfect platform for RWC 2011 to reach out to an extensive audience across Ireland.”
World Cup 2011 RTE live coverage
September 9th (Friday): New Zealand v Tonga, Eden Park, Auckland, 9.30am
September 11th (Sunday): Ireland v USA, Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth, 7am
September 17th (Saturday): Ireland v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland, 9.30am
September 25th (Sunday): Ireland v Russia, Rotorua International Stadium, 7am
October 2nd (Sunday): Ireland v Italy, Carisbrook, Dunedin, 9.30am
October 8th-9th (Saturday and Sunday) Quarter-finals in Christchurch and Wellington
October 15th-16th (Saturday and Sunday) semi-finals in Auckland – 10am
October 21st (Friday) Bronze final in Auckland – 9.30am
October 23rd (Sunday) final at Eden Park, Auckland – 10am
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