RTE CLINCHES SIX NATIONS RUGBY DEAL

IRISH broadcaster RTE, has announced details of a new contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union, for rugby coverage over the next two seasons.
Under the new contract RTE Television will broadcast a total of 39 live international games from 2000 to 2002.
While principally focusing on the Six Nations Tournament, RTE will also screen all major incoming tours to Ireland, including the visits of South Africa and Japan in November.
In addition to the International Games, RTE will also show a minimum of six AIB League games each season and feature extensive highlights of the weekend action on ‘Sunday Sport’.
Commenting on the new contract, RTE Group Head of Sport, Tim O’Connor said: “Following extensive negotiations with the Irish Rugby Football Union, I am delighted to announce that RTE has acquired the rights to show Irish rugby for the next two years.
"In an era when satellite broadcasters are seen by many as hijacking major sporting events, it is significant that RTE has acquired such an important sporting contract. This new acquisition, added to going to our rights to show matches from the European Rugby Cup, signifies our on-going commitment to sport and providing the Irish audience with the best possible free-to-air sporting package".
The new contract with the IRFU comes shortly after RTE’s recent successful negotiations to cover the progress of Munster and Leinster in the Heineken Rugby Cup, beginning in October.