RTÉ lose Heineken Cup rights

Rugby:RTÉ will not be screening highlights of the Heineken Cup for the foreseeable future after rival broadcaster TG4 secured the rights for the next three seasons in what can only be considered a major coup for the Irish language channel.

TG4, which already broadcasts live Celtic League, rebranded as the RaboDirect Pro 12 earlier this week, will also broadcast highlights from the Amlin Challenge Cup after outbidding RTÉ. Both competitions get under way in November, upon completion of the Rugby World Cup.

Since losing the live broadcast rights to the Heineken Cup when the satellite broadcaster Sky Sports struck an exclusive deal with the tournament organisers, RTÉ have been restricted to showing highlights programmes.

Given the Irish sides’ recent success in the tournament – with Munster and Leinster winning four of the last six titles – the loss of any rights whatsoever will come as a huge blow to the state broadcaster.

RTÉ’s loss is clearly TG4’s gain and its director general, Pól Ó Gallchóir, was delighted to have nailed down the rights.

“The Heineken Cup is the most prestigious European club rugby competition, and with all four Irish provinces in the tournament for the first time next season, this is a major opportunity for TG4 to further develop our rugby coverage,” he said.

All four Irish provinces will compete in the Heineken Cup next year as Leinster’s win over Northampton opened the door for Connacht to enter the competition for the first time. It was confirmed yesterday that the 2013 final will take place at the Aviva Stadium.