Setanta wins 2011 World Cup rights

RTÉ’s traditional grip on key global sports events took another hit yesterday as Setanta Sports inked a contract extension with the International Rugby Board for live coverage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Setanta had already secured rights to this year’s tournament in France and yesterday’s announcement means they will now be the only channel on which Irish viewers can see all 48 games from both tournaments.

However, some of this year’s World Cup will still be available to Irish terrestrial viewers with TV3 holding rights to the opening match, the four Irish pool games, two quarter-finals (including any Irish match) two semi-finals and the decider.

RTÉ’s failure to secure the rights for the tournament in New Zealand in four years’ time is another blow to the broadcaster which has already lost live coverage of the Heineken Cup.

“We are delighted to sign this contract and secure the rights for the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups,” said Setanta chief Niall Cogley yesterday.

“This represents the next phase in our growth as a sports broadcaster and adds to our impressive collection of live sports rights. Rugby is growing in popularity and we are looking forward to bringing top quality coverage of this world event to Irish sports fans.”

The 2007 Rugby World Cup will begin on September 7th when hosts France face Argentina.

Paul O’Connell, Setanta Sports Rugby Ambassador, will also feature throughout the coverage.

As well as the Rugby World Cup, Setanta Sports rugby content includes live Magners League and French Top 14, as well as action from the IRB Sevens and Leinster and Munster Schools Cup competitions.