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Sky Sports snatch French Top 14 from BT

Sky Sports snatch French Top 14 from BT

BT Sport have lost rights for the first time since coming on to the airwaves, as Sky Sports are set to take over the French Top 14 from next season.

“This agreement brings even more top class rugby union to Sky Sports. Top 14 rugby features some of the best international players and best teams and this deal strengthens our unrivalled rugby schedule even further.” – Sky Sports Managing Director Barney Francis

The new deal sees Sky Sports signing a five year deal to show the French rugby’s leading competition, featuring stars from 28 different nations including Jonny Sexton, Jamie Roberts, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Matt Giteau and Bryan Habana. Rights have previously been on ESPN and BT took them over for the current season, but only signed a one year deal. This deal sees a positive period for Sky in obtaining the vast majority of the UK TV rugby rights.

Sky Sports will show 55 games a season, which equates to at least two live Top 14 matches and a highlights programme a week through to the Play-Offs and Final in June. The top six teams at the end of the regular season will qualify to join the following season’s European Rugby Champions Cup, the new look European competition in which Sky and BT did work together to finally agree a shared TV rights deal. It’s clear the cease fire has been short lived with Sky taking this deal.

Along with the shared European rugby deal, BT also show the English Premiership. Sky’s expanding rugby portfolio of rights include English second tier Championship games, British & Irish Lions, Autumn Internationals from England, Ireland, France and Italy, European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, Pro 12 and Super Rugby.

“We’re pleased to announce this partnership with Sky and to secure such a strong partner on a long-term deal. Sky will provide an extensive coverage of the competition, and we expect to enlarge our UK fan base further in the next five seasons.” – LNR President Paul Goze

Sky Sports’ rugby coverage is lead by presenters Alex Payne, James Gemmell and Rupert Cox. Commentators and pundits include Miles Harrison, Mark Robson, Johnny Hammond, Stuart Barnes, Will Greenwood and Scott Quinnell.

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