RDA appointed for global broadcast rights distribution of Champions Cup.

EPCR is pleased to announce that RDA has secured the global rights for the broadcast distribution of European club rugby matches and highlights for the next four years until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The agreement, which excludes the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and the USA, will develop the reach and engagement of EPCR’s flagship tournament, the Champions Cup, which is regarded universally as ‘The one to win’ in club rugby. With the Challenge Cup also included in the deal, in the region of 100 top-class matches per season will be broadcast to European rugby’s international audience.

The 2017 Champions Cup final between Saracens and ASM Clermont Auvergne was shown in 95 countries, and players competing in the Champions Cup, the Challenge Cup and the Continental Shield represent more than 30 nations, illustrating the truly global appeal of EPCR’s competitions. The growing demand for quality European professional club rugby has now been met by television platforms which will improve the experience for fans worldwide.

EPCR Marketing and Commercial Director, Carsten Couchouron, said: “The Champions Cup boasts stars of the global game with an ever-increasing appeal beyond our traditional European boundaries. We are delighted to be working with RDA to take broadcast coverage of outstanding rugby to those audiences.”

Richard Dennis, RDA Chief Executive, said: “The Champions Cup is the ultimate northern hemisphere cross-border club rugby competition, it’s extremely competitive and every match showcases numerous international players. Together with the Challenge Cup, this is world-class rugby content for broadcasters around the globe. RDA is delighted to be working with EPCR for the next four seasons.”

This announcement follows the awarding of rights in the USA to NBC Sports and comes at the conclusion of a competitive tender process managed by The Sports Consultancy in which bids were received from multiple global agencies and both national and pan-regional broadcasters.

About RDA

RDA is a London-based sports media rights agency with a roster of leading clients in rugby union, rugby league, tennis, cricket, wrestling and MMA.