UK pay-television broadcaster BSkyB has agreed a deal to extend its rights contract with Sanzar, the umbrella body for the Australian, New Zealand and South African rugby unions, according to the Telegraph.
The UK newspaper said Sky has held off competition from rival pay-television broadcaster BT Sport to renew a deal which includes rights to the England national team’s tours to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. The deal will begin after the 2015 Rugby World Cup and run until 2021.
The contract is said to cover England’s tours to Australia in 2016 and South Africa in 2018. It is also likely to include a yet-to-be-confirmed tour to New Zealand in 2020.
In addition, the deal will also include the rights to any tours to the countries by the Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France national teams, along with rights to Sanzar’s Rugby Championship and the home matches of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.