Rugby union backed over TV rights

THE pressure on Communications Minister Eamon Ryan to abandon his plans to designate Six Nations and Heineken Cup matches to be shown on free-to-air television has increased after an Oireachtas committee came out in support of the IRFU being allowed to continue to negotiate deals on TV rights with broadcasters.

The Irish Rugby Football Union yesterday received widespread cross-party support from members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Sport.

The committee passed a motion in favour of the IRFU retaining its independence to deal with TV stations in the way it sees best serves the game.