Eurosport has secured the exclusive TV and digital rights from Sky for a selection of Rugby League properties to be broadcast on Discovery’s recently acquired premium rugby channel, Setanta Sports Asia. The rights are effective immediately until the end of the 2019 season.
“It is important that all forms of the game are shown on Setanta Sports Asia, demonstrating our ambition to remain the leading rugby broadcaster in Asia. As a big fan of Rugby League myself, I’m thrilled that Setanta Sports Asia now has the sport’s leading leagues and competitions in the world delivering some of the most exciting rugby to a wide audience in Asia,” commented Peter Hutton, chief executive officer, Eurosport.
Super League general manager Blake Solly added: “We are delighted that sports fans across Asia will now have the opportunity to follow all the action from the First Utility Super League, Ladbrokes Challenge Cup and Kingston Press Championship, as well as the World Club Series, on Setanta Sports Asia.
“Rugby League has experienced significant global growth in the last few years and this partnership with Setanta Sports Asia will help us showcase the skill and athleticism of some of the world’s most exciting sportsmen to a massive audience.
“I am sure that TV viewers on Setanta Sports Asia will not fail to be impressed by the high quality of the coverage that Rugby League fans in Europe already enjoy,” concluded Solly.
Rugby League properties include European Super League, Championship, and Challenge Cup. Also included is the World Club Challenge, the annual Rugby League competition played between the top three clubs of the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) and European Super League, as well as two magazine shows produced by Sky Sports. Full Time and Boots n’ all feature match previews and analysis along with interviews with some of the biggest names in the game.
