Newstalk scoops RTÉ to secure Rugby World Cup radio rights

NEWSTALK 106-108FM has scored a major scoop over RTÉ by securing the exclusive radio rights to broadcast every match live from next year’s Rugby World Cup.

The news is a huge blow to RTÉ, who earlier this year lost the television rights to Setanta Sports for rugby’s showcase tournament, and were outbid by Sky Sports for Heineken Cup games in Ireland.

It means that the national broadcaster is unlikely to be able to broadcast any live coverage of matches involving the Irish rugby team in the Rugby World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1987.

Newstalk is expected to feature live broadcasts of all Ireland’s four games in the first round of the Rugby World Cup, including matches against Argentina and host nation, France.

Coverage will be provided by a number of presenters, including well-known rugby analyst, George Hook, of Newstalk’s drivetime programme, The Right Hook.

Newstalk sports editor, Jerry O’Sullivan said securing the rights to next year’s Rugby World Cup represented a real coup.

“Rugby has been a strong part of Newstalk’s sports programming since we launched and delivering live commentary and entertaining analysis is a core value in the sports department.”

It is understood Newstalk beat off competition from RTÉ to secure the rights to the tournament by submitting a higher offer in a sealed bid tender process.

However, RTÉ still has the rights to the Six Nations Championship until 2009, as well as this autumn’s internationals.

The national station might still also be able to negotiate a deal with Setanta to show some live games from the World Cup as the Government has stipulated that Ireland’s games in the tournament should be screened free-to-air.

While Setanta Sports is currently free for NTL subscribers, customers of Chorus and Sky must pay an annual fee to access Setanta.

As a result, the station does not meet the stipulation that it can guarantee 98% of the Irish market in terms of free coverage.

Last night, an RTÉ spokesperson said the station had not been offered the radio rights for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, despite submitting a competitive bid.

However, she said RTÉ looked forward to playing a “meaningful role” in coverage of next autumn’s competition.