Coverage will include at least four EPCR Challenge Cup matches in each of the pool stage rounds
Viaplay has acquired the rights to air the EPCR Challenge Cup in the UK.
This includes showing at least four EPCR Challenge Cup matches in each of the pool stage rounds, which began with Bristol Bears’ clash with USAP at the Stade Aimé Giral in Perpignan, France last weekend.
The two-year deal runs until the end of the 2023/24 season, and will see the likes of John Barclay, Bob Skinstad, Tom Shanklin and Matt Banahan appearing on Viaplay as analysts. Ross Harries, Emma Dodds and Graham Little will be presenters.
The Challenge Cup joins the Top 14 and United Rugby Championship in Viaplay’s portfolio. BT Sport airs the ECPR’s other competition, the Champoins Cup, in the UK and Ireland - which also has free-to-air coverage on ITV in the UK and RTE in Ireland.
Ed Breeze, Viaplay Group head of sports UK, said: “We are thrilled to partner with EPCR and to secure even more world-class rugby to complement our URC and TOP 14 coverage. Rugby is a top priority for Viaplay in the UK, and our viewers can look forward to some of the very best action from the EPCR Challenge Cup over the coming two years.”
EPCR chairman Dominic McKay added: “This is a momentous season for the tournaments as we welcome the leading South African clubs into the EPCR fold, and Viaplay are an important addition to the wide range of subscription and free-to-air agreements we have in place for the new broadcast cycle. Already broadcasting our League competitions, the BKT United Rugby Championship and LNR’s TOP 14, Viaplay have rugby broadcast experience in place and are certain to bring new viewers to the tournament in the UK.”
Viaplay, which launched in the UK on 1 November, boosted its sports rights by acquiring Premier Sports earlier this year, with Premier Sports CEO Richard Sweeney claiming the deal could see the broadcaster move to the “next level”.
No comments yet