Browne hails Magners TV deal

IRISH rugby boss Philip Browne believes the announcement yesterday of expanded free-to-air television coverage of the Magners League from next season is positive proof of a total commitment to the development of the sport in this country.

Celtic Rugby Ltd, on behalf of Irish, Welsh and Scottish participants, brokered a new four-year deal as the tournament moved away from heavy reliance on satellite coverage on Setanta.

In a four-year deal, RTÉ, and TG4 – who previously contracted with Celtic Rugby – join with newcomers BBC Alba (Scotland) and BBC Northern Ireland, and BBC Wales and S4C in televising Magners League games.