Premier Sports confirm major extension to United Rugby Championship coverage
04/17/2025 08:06 AM
Premier Sports has confirmed a major four-year extension to its partnership with the BKT United Rugby Championship (URC), ensuring every game from one of the world's most competitive rugby leagues will remain live on its platforms until at least 2029.
The latest deal means Premier Sports will have held the UK broadcast rights for the BKT URC for an impressive eleven years by the end of this cycle. The network has been a central part of the Championship's media presence since 2018, when it introduced "every game live" coverage – an initiative that has helped bring record levels of engagement across Scotland, Ireland, Wales, South Africa, and Italy.
"We are very proud to extend our partnership with BKT URC and to enter into our third consecutive agreement with one of the most exciting leagues in world rugby supported by passionate club rugby fans across Scotland, Ireland, Wales, South Africa and Italy," said Richard Sweeney, CEO of Premier Sports.
"The diversity, competitiveness and quality of rugby on show each weekend in the BKT URC is exceptional and it's been an exciting journey to have been on over the past seven years and great to see how the Championship has made huge strides forward with rugby audiences reaching record levels."
"Extending our BKT URC partnership is exciting news for UK rugby fans as we now offer six premium rugby competitions under one roof in an easy to access viewing platform, which is something that rugby fans have been asking for and gives our customers even more value for money. Premier Sports has become the home for all the best rugby action from the top club competitions in the world."
This deal arrives just weeks after the launch of 'Premier Sports Rugby', a 24/7 dedicated rugby channel now available on Virgin Media and Premier Sports' streaming service. The channel is set to expand further in the coming months, landing on Amazon this summer and Sky Glass and Sky Stream later this year.
Premier Sports’ expansion means it will now offer over 400 live matches per season across six major rugby competitions and eleven nations, including:
- Every BKT URC match (151 per season) – with 131 games exclusive to Premier Sports
- Investec Champions Cup (63 games) – including all knockout rounds and the final
- EPCR Challenge Cup – select pool matches and full knockout coverage
- TOP 14 (80 matches) – four games per round plus playoffs and final
- Major League Rugby – two games per round and full playoffs
- Japan Rugby League One – two games per round and full playoffs
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- Statement: England forward ruled out of the British & Irish Lions tour
- Owen Farrell given brutal player rating with Lions chances fading fast
- "Bit of a D*head" – Johnny Sexton gives blunt verdict on Leinster's new star Rieko Ioane
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
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