Pro12 gets Italian TV deal

by marty2086 Wed 16 Nov 2016, 2:37 pm

Eurosport have today become a broadcast partner of the Guinness PRO12 after securing exclusive rights to screen the Championship in Italy and on the Eurosport Player.

Viewing figures for the Guinness PRO12 have increased by 25 per cent this season and will be further boosted when Eurosport’s live coverage kicks off on November 25. Eurosport will broadcast Zebre Rugby’s visit to Ulster Rugby in Round 9, a game which will be available to viewers in Italy and across 40 countries in Europe and Asia.

At least 10 home games played by either Benetton Rugby Treviso or Zebre Rugby in the Guinness PRO12 will be broadcast live from Italy on Eurosport and the Eurosport Player. In addition, Eurosport will also screen away games played by the Italian clubs.

Martin Anayi, CEO of the Guinness PRO12, welcomed the Discovery-owned broadcaster as a new partner for the 2016-17 campaign.

“Our new agreement with Discovery Eurosport is brilliant news for our fans in Italy and right across the Guinness PRO12. With 10 Italian home games between Zebre Rugby and Benetton Rugby Treviso to be broadcast live in HD which will be supplemented by coverage of away games, supporters in Italy will get to enjoy everything that our Championship has to offer.

“We are thrilled to partner with Discovery Eurosport, who are one of the premier broadcasters across Europe and Asia, and through the innovative Eurosport Player they are able to cater to the digital demands of the modern sport fan.

“This deal will see Italian home games available over 40 countries in Europe and Asia and underscores the growing demand for top-class rugby union action right across the world. The Guinness PRO12 is one of the most exciting Championships in world rugby and we are looking forward to building on our new relationship with Discovery Eurosport.”

Luigi Filippo Ecuba, Senior Director Sports di Discovery said: “Securing the exclusive Guinness PRO12 rights is another sign that rugby is at the heart of what we offer to fans, helping to fuel their passion for one of Italy’s leading national sports. We are delighted to be able to offer all rugby fans another big international competition, with the atmosphere of passion and enthusiasm typical of a rugby match and the presence of two of our most symbolic clubs.”

by marty2086 Wed 16 Nov 2016, 2:38 pm

Great news for the Pro12 and with Eurosport showing it in so many countries hopefully it'll ignite interest in the league in new markets

by RugbyFan100 Wed 16 Nov 2016, 3:00 pm

Will I be able to see this on Virgin Media's normal tv package?

EDIT: It's not available unless as part of a paid sports package on sky and virgin here in the UK.

by marty2086 Wed 16 Nov 2016, 4:13 pm

You'll need to ask them

by thebandwagonsociety Wed 16 Nov 2016, 4:25 pm

That should have the pro12 in position now to have full live broadcasting available at all matches going forward.
Should also mean TMO facilities being available for all matches also.
Very positive move.

by Guest Wed 16 Nov 2016, 5:41 pm

It's hardly before time, but great news for all.

by TJ Wed 16 Nov 2016, 5:43 pm

Good move - hopefully this means the italian teams will no longer be the paupers of the league and might make some progress

by Sin é Wed 16 Nov 2016, 5:50 pm

Very interesting indeed. Eurosport is owned by the Discovery Chanel is owned by Liberty Global who owns / has a large take in Virgin, UTV /ITV (I think), TV3 Ireland and UTV Ireland. What they are trying to do is produce unbranded sport content (for example, no presenters and markings) and sell it around the world.

by marty2086 Thu 17 Nov 2016, 9:10 am

Sin é wrote:Very interesting indeed. Eurosport is owned by the Discovery Chanel is owned by Liberty Global who owns / has a large take in Virgin, UTV /ITV (I think), TV3 Ireland and UTV Ireland. What they are trying to do is produce unbranded sport content (for example, no presenters and markings) and sell it around the world.

They are buying over F1 as well aren't they?

Given TV3s growing rugby coverage maybe they will be at least going after the Irish rights when the contract comes up for renewal and this is a case of relationship building

by **profitius** Thu 17 Nov 2016, 2:06 pm

TJ wrote:Good move - hopefully this means the italian teams will no longer be the paupers of the league and might make some progress

Any mention of how much the contract is worth?

by doctor_grey Mon 21 Nov 2016, 7:35 pm

Hopefully the contract is good money. It would be great to see the Pro12 really hit its stride on the marketing side and bring in some bigger money.

by marty2086 Tue 22 Nov 2016, 10:29 am

Doubtful the deal will be worth much to begin with, probably dipping their toe in the water to see how it works with an eye on renewing if it does well

by SecretFly Tue 22 Nov 2016, 2:32 pm

Dreadful news. A backward step and once again proves this Pro12 experiment hasn't worked, won't work and is only stalling the growth of the game that we should all have as a priority.

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