European rugby set to cash in

European rugby chiefs stand to net "significantly more" than €17.5m in a lucrative worldwide broadcasting rights deal after distribution company IMG Media won the tender to broker global broadcasting rights for the European Rugby Champions Cup.

Industry insiders initially slapped a €17.5m total on the potential windfall to the European game – but sources have told the Irish Examiner the return is expected to be far greater.

“It is too soon to speculate on a final number, as the packages have yet to be sold,” one source said.