RTÉ could win back next cup TV deal

RTÉ could win back the rights to broadcast live Heineken Cup matches when the television contracts come up for negotiation in 2010, according to European Rugby Cup (ERC) chief Derek McGrath.

RTÉ lost the rights to show live European Cup rugby last season, with viewers forced to watch Munster, Leinster and Ulster on Sky Sports instead. The Donnybrook broadcaster does show highlights on the day of a Heineken Cup match but that could change when RTÉ chiefs bid to reclaim live rights to the popular tournament.

“Of course anything is possible,” said ERC chief Derek McGrath.

“We’re in TV contracts that run until 2010. RTÉ are still a partner as well as Sky Sports in Ireland so clearly our partnerships and relationships haven’t gone away.”

He added: “Ultimately we are a commercial organisation. We must do the best for all of our stakeholders and that’s just not financial.

“Financial was key but there’s the commercial element — we want to build the brands and we need to market it. So we’re very conscious that we need to broadcast the tournament. While the finances are key, one of the great things the tournament has that we all know is a huge number of top class games and through the broadcast partners that we have we get as many of those games broadcast as possible.

“And that is something that is easier for a satellite company to deal with than terrestrial given the scheduling. They know and the people we talk to in RTÉ know where we stand and we know where they stand in terms of the tournament going forward.

“The terrestrial versus satellite argument is one that I think everybody who sits to watch a game has an opinion on. We have to take decisions which are driven by my board to generate the best return for the tournament. I believe the mix that we have is a very good one.”

Meanwhile Ronan O’Gara is named in Munster’s 27-strong squad for Saturday’s Magners League game against Edinburgh (Musgrave Park, 7.30pm). It is the Cork out-half’s first involvement with the province since the Rugby World Cup.

Denis Hurley, who was injured in the province’s opening game of the season, is also included in Declan Kidney’s selection.

MUNSTER: J Hayes, F Pucciariello, M Horan, T Buckley, F Sheahan, J Flannery, M O’Driscoll, D O’Callaghan, P O’Connell, M Melbourne, D Leamy, J Coughlan, A Foley, D Wallace, A Quinlan. P Stringer, T O’Leary, P Warwick, R O’Gara, L Mafi, R Tipoki, K Lewis, B Murphy, B Carney, K Earls, I Dowling, D Hurley.