Ulster Fans to Miss out on Autumn Internationals

OK so some parts of Ulster aren't in Northern Ireland but for most it will apply.

RTÉ has confirmed that it will have to block coverage of IRFU Autumn International Rugby to viewers in Northern Ireland from next year.

The statement from RTE said "Under the new contract awarded by the IRFU, RTÉ will be required to black our coverage of the International games on Freeview in Northern Ireland from 2014 to 2017. RTÉ were awarded the rights for the Republic of Ireland by the IRFU. The IRFU awarded the right for the UK to Sky."

http://www.thejournal.ie/rte-to-block-coverage-of-rugby-internationals-in-ni-from-next-year-800396-Feb2013/?utm_source=shortlink

Well, that will be excellent news for the publicans in NI who have Sky.

Hound has got it.

This is bad- but inevitable. It's a clause insisted upon by Sky for all sporting events they share with RTE. RTE share as much of their content as they can with Northern Ireland. But whilst we're part of the UK they have no ground to challenge this.

I'm not sure whats worse here....RTE blocking my Rugby coverage or my freeview provider blocking RTE.....

Come back Geoooorrrgggeee!

Is it just the IRFU who has awarded the rights to sky? Or the whole tournament?

Notch wrote:Hound has got it.

This is bad- but inevitable. It's a clause insisted upon by Sky for all sporting events they share with RTE. RTE share as much of their content as they can with Northern Ireland. But whilst we're part of the UK they have no ground to challenge this.

That post sounds like a cry for a border poll if I've ever seen one.....

Does BBC not show Irelands AI matches?

Passionate, reasoned, honest - worth a listen.

"Breaking the principle that has held us together for a hundred and thirty years."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7n20j92i_Y

Don Alfonso wrote:Passionate, reasoned, honest - worth a listen.

"Breaking the principle that has held us together for a hundred and thirty years."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7n20j92i_Y

Well worth listening to Don, thanks for this. And southerners wonder why so many Ulster fans (rightly or wrongly) feel there is an anti-Ulster agenda at the IRFU. Ulster fans are going to be second class to our southern counterparts. This really could have pretty grave long term consequences for rugby in Northern Ireland if we can't even watch the Irish side.

GunsGerms wrote:Does BBC not show Irelands AI matches?

Not from 2014 no.

Honestly, i think they should have sold all of the rights to Sky, for all matches broadcast within or outside of the Republic. I mean, RTEs only redeeming feature is that they're "free" (license fee me hole). I hope Sky also buy up the rights to the Pro12, at least they will show every game. Our Northern breathern have every right to be peeved by this slight by the IRFU, i really just wish they had have sold us all out instead.

I'd actually recommend listening to the whole eipsode to hear the lads' discussion afterwards. it's on YouTube as well.

I listen to it every week, was listening last night but i got home before that part of it. Will finish it today though.

I like that guy William, a fair and reasoned fella. And he's totally got a point.

Mickado wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:Does BBC not show Irelands AI matches?

Not from 2014 no.

Honestly, i think they should have sold all of the rights to Sky, for all matches broadcast within or outside of the Republic. I mean, RTEs only redeeming feature is that they're "free" (license fee me hole). I hope Sky also buy up the rights to the Pro12, at least they will show every game. Our Northern breathern have every right to be peeved by this slight by the IRFU, i really just wish they had have sold us all out instead.

Actually BBC NI's Rabo coverage is pretty good is a bit one eyed on the analysis at times. I enjoy when they have Eddie O'Sullivan as an analyist- he actually talks sense. I'm pretty sure we get to see more or less every Ulster game this season on BBC2 or on the red button if its away.

This is hardly scientific and maybe other Ulster fans disagree but I know that amongst my circle of friends far, far fewer go down to Irish matches now than we used to. I used to go to about three quarters of the matches. This season I'm not going to any. The cost is just too prohibitive and many of my friends (myself included) don't want to spend maybe £200 for a day out to watch Kidney's utter dirge. The IRFU are really risking northern fans frittering away from the Irish side and a greater emphasis put instead on supporting Ulster. Great for the province but not good for Irish side and likely to only cause more provincial bickering.