The Rugby World Cup is now officially over and we can agree that TV3 did a relatively fine job hosting rugby’s showpiece event with their in depth analysis and reaction, and now that hard work has seemingly been rewarded as Ireland’s third terrestrial TV channel have announced they have secured the rights to broadcast the Six Nations Championship for a period of four years from 2018 until 2021.
The news of TV3’s acquisition of the Northern hemisphere’s rugby’s show piece event was broken by the CEO of Six Nations Rugby John Feehan earlier this afternoon, who said: “We are delighted to be working with TV3 on developing the interest in the Championship and to ultimately grow this wonderful competition in Ireland. “TV3’s coverage of Rugby World Cup was very successful and we believe that they will inject new and exciting ideas in the broadcasting of the Six Nations Championship. Mr Feehan added: “I wish to acknowledge the excellent work and support of RTE in the coverage of the RBS 6 Nations Championship over the years, and indeed we look forward to working with them for the remaining two years of the existing contract.”
The news of TV3’s new deal means bad news for RTE as they now loose all rights to the championships from 2018 onwards. That news was met with a disappointing reaction from the Group Head of Sport at RTE, Ryle Nugent who released a brief statement regarding the new deal, Mr Nugent said: “This is extremely disappointing news for RTÉ. “We have a long and proud tradition of showcasing the Six Nations and putting our heart and soul into our coverage.”
“We want to assure the Irish public that every possible effort was made by RTÉ to retain these rights. As a public service broadcaster, RTÉ’s ambition has always been, and continues to be, to deliver the best possible viewer experience and to share moments of major national importance.” “We put forward the best possible bid within our means, while always mindful of the significant responsibilities attached to spending public funds.”