The Pitch: URC broadcast rights are out to tender — but what will new deals reveal?

Any devaluation on the game will be considered in the light of what is happening in England, where the game is entering what on the face of it looks like a severe depression.

Shane Daly of Munster scores his side's fourth try despite the tackle of Mack Hansen of Connacht during the URC match at Thomond Park. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Ireland and UK TV rights for the United Rugby Championship will be decided in the weeks ahead, shedding a light on the current state of the game, in an increasingly uncertain broadcast environment.

In the coming week, a most likely free-to-air combination of RTÉ and TG4 will agree fees of not-more than €6m for licences to broadcast the competition here, featuring clubs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa.