The new package, which guarantees the sport terrestrial TV coverage until 2007, includes re-vamped coverage of the Powergen Challenge Cup and a new element - nationally screened highlights of the elite Tetley’s Super League.
The new deal starts immediately and, together with the recently announced Sky contract, means that the Rugby League has negotiated an increase of 15 percent across all television agreements.
Said Richard Lewis, executive chairman of the Rugby Football League: “We’re delighted to have reached agreement with the BBC because that ensures the sport will continue to enjoy a significant presence on terrestrial television added to which the new elements that we have been able to
introduce to the deal will provide a fresh impetus to the Powergen Challenge Cup competition.”
As part of the new arrangements with the BBC the Powergen Challenge Cup final will be moved from its traditional May date to August. The new timing will start with the 2005 final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
Added Lewis: “We believe that the realignment of the fixture will produce a season that is well balanced with a series of very high profile events from August onwards.”
The English Rugby League has signed a new four-year TV deal with the BBC.
