Guinness Premiership, ESPN reach rights agreement

Posted on Dec 14, 2009 in Rugby News

Multi-Year Deal Brings 43 Live Matches and Exclusive Coverage of Final to ESPN in UK

Premier Rugby and ESPN have agreed a three year contract for exclusive live rights to 43 matches per season from the Guinness Premiership, beginning next season and running through to the 2012-2013 season, including exclusive live coverage of the Guinness Premiership Final and one of the two semi-final matches. The agreement also provides highlight rights for use on ESPN digital media such as ESPNScrum.com.

Jon Varney, Commercial Director of Premier Rugby said, “This deal with ESPN secures a partnership with one of the world’s leading broadcasters, who become yet another blue chip supporter of club rugby in England.

“Starting next season, our new television deals mean we have doubled the number of live televised Premiership matches, which will further raise the profile of the sport in the UK and overseas and will allow our clubs and sponsors to derive even greater exposure and value. It also means supporters have more chance to see their team on live television.

“ESPN are renowned for their innovation and we are all genuinely excited about the opportunity of working with them to drive value in both our businesses.”

(more…)

Rugby Players Tackled On Alcohol In First Ever League-Wide Initiative

Posted on Dec 10, 2009 in Rugby News

Premier Rugby and Diageo announce positive results of attitudes to alcohol programme

Recognising the need to provide alcohol information to players, Premier Rugby and Diageo have joined forces to develop and deliver an innovative attitudes to alcohol programme to every player and manager in the Guinness Premiership, achieving extremely positive results.

The programme has been designed to inform participants about alcohol and its effects on the body and behaviour, making them more aware of the choices they make when drinking.

(more…)

Sarries vs Tigers date change

Posted on Dec 2, 2009 in Rugby News

Premier Rugby have announced that the forthcoming Guinness Premiership fixture of Saracens against Leicester Tigers at Vicarage Road will now be played on Saturday January 2nd, kick-off 15.00.

The match was originally scheduled for Friday January 1st, but the move has been made possible by Watford being drawn away from home in the Third Round of the FA Cup.

Premier Rugby back Barwell’s call to action for Northampton

Posted on Dec 1, 2009 in Rugby News

Following Keith Barwell’s call to action to Northampton Borough Council this week to have an open public debate about the proposed development of Franklin’s Gardens, Premier Rugby Chief Executive Mark McCafferty, said: “Franklin’s Gardens is one of the best rugby grounds in the country and has benefitted from sympathetic development in recent seasons, which has seen the capacity rise to over 13,000.

“Stadium capacity is the number one issue in our league, which is why clubs like Gloucester Rugby, Leicester Tigers, Harlequins and Worcester Warriors have expanded in recent seasons to take advantage of the growing popularity of the sport.

“The plans Keith Barwell and the board have announced are ambitious ones and should help cement Northampton Saints as a powerful presence in a town with a fine rugby heritage. The club has been playing on the Franklin’s Gardens site for over a century and they should be encouraged to maintain the traditions and history that are such a big part of the Saints. It is the kind of model that could well be adopted by other clubs as we see the interest in rugby continue to grow.”