Celtic Unions seal BBC TV deal

THE BBC yesterday agreed a multi-million pound deal with the three Celtic Unions to broadcast Scotland, Ireland and Wales autumn home internationals for the next five years.

The deal, which also includes the rights to all matches featuring regional sides against incoming touring sides and Six Nations A internationals, should they be arranged in the future, runs until the year 2009.

It ensures the BBC hold broadcasting rights to all international rugby hosted in Britain with the exception of England’s autumn Tests, for which they show highlights.

“The new five-year autumn international deal represents a strong statement by the BBC on behalf of rugby in the Celtic Unions,” said Ireland Rugby Union chief executive Philip Browne.

Wales, Scotland and Ireland worked together to negotiate the deal with the BBC.