http://www.sportbusiness.com/sport/rugby/feed Sportbusiness News http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167533/rfl-to-confirm-super-league-licenses The Rugby Football League (RFL), the sport’s governing body in the UK, will reveal today which 14 clubs have been granted a license to compete in the Super League for the next three seasons from 2009 to 2011. Events United Kingdom Rugby Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:39:49 +0100 mglendinning 167533 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167525/italy-to-bid-for-rugby-world-cup Italy will bid to host either the 2015 or the 2019 Rugby World Cup, according to the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR). Events Italy Events Rugby Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:49:21 +0100 mglendinning 167525 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167511/super-14-playoffs-to-include-six-teams The Super 14 playoffs could increase to six teams from next season after the Sanzar unions agreed to revise the format in order potentially expand the competition. Events Australia New Zealand South Africa Rugby Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:45:30 +0100 msherlock 167511 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167500/record-viewing-for-rugby-sevens-world-series Last season’s Rugby Sevens World Series reached a record 223 million homes – 10 million more than in 2006-07 - according to figures released by the International Rugby Board (IRB), the sport’s governing body. Events Audience Data Rugby Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:29:22 +0100 msherlock 167500 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167463/new-uk-sports-information-channel-set-for-launch SportsXchange, a new UK and Ireland free-to-air sports news and betting TV channel will launch in late July, focused on horseracing, football, cricket, rugby and other sports. Media United Kingdom Broadcast Cricket Football Soccer Horse Racing Rugby Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:25:51 +0100 msherlock 167463 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167454/irb-to-allocate-two-rugby-world-cup-tournaments-in-2009 The International Rugby Board, owner of Rugby World Cup, said it will allocate the next two tournaments - Rugby World Cup 2015 and 2019 - at the same time in 2009 and will commence the tender process this month. Events Event Management Rugby Wed, 9 Jul 2008 10:43:25 +0100 msherlock 167454 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167431/sanzar-to-consider-expanding-tri-nations-series Argentina has held talks with leading southern hemisphere nations over the possibility of expanding rugby union’s Tri-Nation series, according to the BBC. Events Argentina Australia New Zealand South Africa Rugby Fri, 4 Jul 2008 10:34:38 +0100 msherlock 167431 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167413/engage-mutual-extend-super-league-sponsorship Financial services provider, Engage Mutual, extended its sponsorship deal with the Rugby Football League (RFL), the sport’s governing body in the UK, for up to three years. Marketing United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Wed, 2 Jul 2008 11:23:49 +0100 msherlock 167413 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/167373/no-brainer-for-welsh-rugby Welsh brewer Brains will retain its shirt sponsor rights at least until September 2009 under a new deal with the Welsh Rugby Union. Marketing United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:02:47 +0100 mglendinning 167373 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166978/sa-rugby-and-absa-renew-domestic-cup-deal SA Rugby agreed a deal with Absa to extend their Currie Cup sponsorship for another five years. Marketing South Africa Rugby Sponsorship Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:06:55 +0100 msherlock 166978 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166886/diageo-brands-to-partner-british-irish-lions-tour-of-south-africa Diageo agreed a deal for its brands, Guinness and Bushmills to become the commercial partners for the British & Irish Lions Tour of South Africa next year. Marketing South Africa United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Thu, 29 May 2008 09:25:29 +0100 msherlock 166886 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166872/leicester-tigers-sign-up-with-caterpillar English rugby union team the Leicester Tigers has agreed a five-year, £6 million shirt sponsorship and naming rights agreement with construction and mining equipment manufacturer Caterpillar. Marketing United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Wed, 28 May 2008 09:37:46 +0100 msherlock 166872 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166829/murrayfield-to-host-2009-heineken-cup-final Scotland's Murrayfield Stadium will host the rugby union 2009 Heineken Cup final. Events United Kingdom Events Rugby Tue, 20 May 2008 10:34:53 +0100 mglendinning 166829 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166786/irb-announces-48m-investment-scheme The International Rugby Board has announced a £48 million investment programme aimed at raising standards of the sport's developing nations. Marketing Federations Finance Rugby Tue, 13 May 2008 10:29:55 +0100 msherlock 166786 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166779/japan-to-host-irb-junior-world-championship The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced that Japan will host the IRB Junior World Championship in 2009. Events Japan Events Rugby Mon, 12 May 2008 10:42:20 +0100 mglendinning 166779 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166739/irb-unveils-new-rwc-and-exco-boards The International Rugby Board, owner of Rugby World Cup, announced the structure of the Board that will oversee the delivery of all Rugby World Cup tournaments over the next four years. This includes Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010 and Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand. Events Administration Rugby Tue, 6 May 2008 10:37:01 +0100 msherlock 166739 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166701/rugbys-super-14-set-for-revamp The 2009 edition of Rugby’s Super 14 competition is likely to be the last to be played under the existing 13 match format. Events Australia New Zealand South Africa Rugby Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:37:00 +0100 msherlock 166701 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166670/irb-to-announce-hosts-for-rwc-2015-and-2019 The International Rugby Board are likely to announce the next two venues for the Rugby World Cup simultaneously, breaking with their normal practice of announcing them one at a time, in order to make it easier for ‘smaller’ rugby nations to host the event. Events Events Rugby Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:34:59 +0100 mglendinning 166670 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166634/aru-looks-for-private-investment The Australian Rugby Union is to consider private investment in its Super 14 franchises, the sport’s governing body has said. Events Australia Finance Rugby Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:50:12 +0100 mglendinning 166634 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166626/iec-in-sports-signs-further-atp-events-and-5-nations-rugby IEC in Sports renewed its deals with three important ATP events: the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart, Estoril Open in Portugal and the BA-CA Tennis Trophy in Vienna. Media Asia Europe Broadcast Rugby Tennis Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:49:46 +0100 msherlock 166626 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166523/maze-stadium-delays-frustrate-sports-leaders Leaders of the Gaelic Athletic Association, Irish Football Association and Ulster Rugby have rejected an invitation to meet a Northern Irish government committee over the proposed Maze sports stadium. Events United Kingdom Rugby Stadia & Facilities Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:09:27 +0000 mglendinning 166523 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166346/perform-and-bigpond-launch-global-australian-sports-portal Perform and Telstra’s BigPond, Australia’s largest internet provider, agreed a deal to launch a global sports portal, Aussie Sport TV, broadcasting top Australian sports. Media Australia Australian Rules Football Broadcast Internet Motor Racing Rugby TV Rights Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:17:15 +0000 msherlock 166346 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166336/british-irish-lions-agree-firstcape-sponsorship FirstCape agreed an official sponsorship of the British & Irish Lions and their tour to South Africa in 2009. Marketing Ireland United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:04:14 +0000 msherlock 166336 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166313/emirates-becomes-partner-for-rwc-sevens-2009 Rugby World Cup Limited appointed Emirates Airline as the Principal Partner for the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai. Marketing UAE Rugby Sponsorship Thu, 6 Mar 2008 11:09:38 +0000 msherlock 166313 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166296/irb-to-consider-inter-hemisphere-series The International Rugby Board has started to look into the feasibility of a biennial Inter-Hemisphere Series featuring the world’s top Test teams. Events Hong Kong Events Rugby Tue, 4 Mar 2008 08:35:09 +0000 mglendinning 166296 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166255/hsbc-becomes-official-partner-of-the-pra HSBC agreed a deal become the Official Banking Partner of the Professional Rugby Players’ Association (PRA), the representative body and collective voice of professional rugby union players in England. Marketing United Kingdom Finance Rugby Sponsorship Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:39:38 +0000 msherlock 166255 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/164244/vero-appointed-by-international-rugby-board Vero Communications was appointed by the International Rugby Board to advise the IRB on its strategy to grow the game’s popularity globally and get Rugby re-instated into the Olympic Games. Marketing Rugby Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:21:13 +0000 msherlock 164244 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/164230/tv3-poised-to-win-2011-rugby-world-cup-rights New Zealand commercial broadcaster TV3 is set to secure the TV rights to the 2011 Rugby World Cup according to local press reports. Media New Zealand Broadcast Rugby TV Rights Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:17:08 +0000 msherlock 164230 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/164221/calls-for-australias-nrl-to-expand National Rugby League team Melbourne Storm’s chief executive Brian Waldron called on the NRL to put expansion on its immediate agenda. Media Australia Administration Rugby TV Rights Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:17:55 +0000 msherlock 164221 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/164184/nike-renews-rfu-sponsorship-deal Nike renewed its contract with the Rugby Football Union to be the official team-wear provider for England Rugby in a four year deal, from September 2008 until the end of the 2011-12 season. Marketing United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:13:20 +0000 msherlock 164184 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/164175/new-south-african-tv-deal-hits-nz-and-australia-rugby-unions New Zealand and Australia expressed disappointment at the South African Rugby Union’s decision to sell of some of its TV rights previously included in the Sanzar (South African/New Zealand/Australia) agreement. Media Australia New Zealand South Africa Broadcast Rugby TV Rights Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:12:15 +0000 msherlock 164175 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/164140/rugby-league-seeks-new-partner Beer brand 'XXXX' has opted not to renew its sponsorship of the Rugby Football League (RFL). Marketing United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Wed, 6 Feb 2008 09:49:15 +0000 mglendinning 164140 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/164106/super-14-lions-land-sponsorship-deal Insurer Auto & General agreed a three-year, R30 million naming rights sponsorship deal with South African rugby union side The Super 14 Lions. Marketing South Africa Rugby Sponsorship Tue, 5 Feb 2008 10:06:37 +0000 msherlock 164106 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/164101/setanta-renews-with-usa-rugby Setanta Sports and USA Rugby, the governing body for rugby union in the United States, have renewed their official partnership until 2009. Media United States Rugby TV Rights Tue, 5 Feb 2008 09:13:26 +0000 mglendinning 164101 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163992/six-nations-coverage-available-on-iplayer The BBC's television coverage of the Six Nations will be available via the iPlayer from this weekend.  Media United Kingdom Broadcast Services Rugby Fri, 1 Feb 2008 10:13:58 +0000 mglendinning 163992 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163942/rugby-and-handball-knock-football-off-euro-viewing-perch Football was knocked off the top of the sports viewing charts in the majority of television markets across Europe in 2007, according to the annual survey by TV Sports Markets. Media Europe Audience Data Broadcast Football Soccer Handball Rugby Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:53:18 +0000 msherlock 163942 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163773/rte-wins-six-nations-rights Irish public service broadcaster RTÉ has acquired the exclusive live rights to all RBS Six Nations Championships games on television, radio and online in a four-year deal from 2010 to 2013.  Media Ireland Rugby TV Rights Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:54:22 +0000 mglendinning 163773 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163190/hok-sport-ramps-up-design-of-new-zealand-rugby-stadia HOK Sport Architecture, moved ahead with the designs for the redevelopment of Auckland’s main rugby ground, Eden Park, and the new Dunedin Multi-Purpose Stadium, as New Zealand steps up its stadium construction programme for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Events New Zealand Rugby Stadia & Facilities Wed, 9 Jan 2008 09:58:17 +0000 msherlock 163190 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163171/english-rugby-union-set-for-salary-cap-increase The salary cap for England's top rugby union sides will be increased to £4 million from next season. Events United Kingdom Finance Rugby Fri, 4 Jan 2008 10:14:11 +0000 msherlock 163171 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163164/argentina-could-reinvigorate-super-14-and-tri-nations-competitions The Australian Rugby Union said that Southern Hemisphere rugby’s flagship competitions, the Super 14 and Tri-Nations, could be reinvigorated in quality and financially by the introduction of Argentina. Events Argentina Australia Administration Broadcast Finance Rugby TV Rights Thu, 3 Jan 2008 10:07:39 +0000 msherlock 163164 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163163/french-rugby-league-tenders-final-rights French rugby’s Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) tendered the rights for the final of its Top 14 club competition. Media France Broadcast Rugby TV Rights Thu, 3 Jan 2008 10:06:50 +0000 msherlock 163163 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163057/hsbc-appoints-fast-track-to-manage-partnership-with-the-british-irish-lions HSBC appointed the Fast Track agency to manage the activation and delivery of rights for its recently announced partnership with the British & Irish Lions. Marketing United Kingdom Agencies Rugby Sponsorship Thu, 6 Dec 2007 10:06:04 +0000 msherlock 163057 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163048/expanded-rugby-world-club-challenge-ruled-out Plans for an expanded 16-team World Club Challenge have been dismissed by the Rugby Football League. Events Australia France United Kingdom Events Rugby Tue, 4 Dec 2007 09:29:10 +0000 msherlock 163048 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163040/rugby-world-2011-to-comprise-20-teams The Rugby World Cup 2011 tournament in New Zealand will comprise 20 teams, as in the last three tournaments. Events New Zealand Events Rugby Mon, 3 Dec 2007 10:32:02 +0000 msherlock 163040 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163031/nzrfu-signs-up-ogilvy The New Zealand Rugby Union agreed a deal with Ogilvy as its exclusive advertising agency. Marketing New Zealand Marketing Research Rugby Fri, 30 Nov 2007 09:51:28 +0000 msherlock 163031 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163013/usa-rugby-signs-official-sponsor USA Rugby signed up First Sports International as the official sponsor of the women’s national team’s England Tour. Marketing United States Rugby Sponsorship Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:04:22 +0000 msherlock 163013 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/163010/super-league-wins-new-tv-deals-and-plans-expansion The Rugby Football League is set to expand the Super League from 12 to 14 clubs after extending its UK TV deals with BSkyB and the BBC. Media United Kingdom Broadcast Rugby TV Rights Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:19:58 +0000 msherlock 163010 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162978/barclays-signs-sky-sports-rugby-broadcast-sponsorship Barclays Commercial Bank has inked a broadcast sponsorship deal with Sky Sports’ rugby union coverage for the 2007/08 season. Media United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:47:23 +0000 mglendinning 162978 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162975/wales-lands-first-irb-under-20-world-championship The Welsh Rugby Union will host the International Rugby Board's (IRB) first ever Under-20 World Championship in 2008. Events United Kingdom Events Rugby Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:39:06 +0000 mglendinning 162975 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162967/auks-lose-brewery-sponsorship Auckland Rugby lost the sponsorship of brewery giant DB, ending a 21-year partnership. Marketing New Zealand Rugby Sponsorship Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:46:24 +0000 msherlock 162967 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162959/hsbc-to-sponsor-british-lions-tour Tomorrow’s official announcement of a new main sponsor for the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa 2009 will reveal HSBC as the leading partner, according to UK news sources. Marketing United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:30:47 +0000 mglendinning 162959 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162949/rugby-clubs-agree-compromise-deal-with-rfu The English Rugby Football Union and Premier Rugby agreed a new deal which it is hoped will put an end to club-v-country rows. Marketing United Kingdom Administration Broadcast Rugby TV Rights Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:09:16 +0000 msherlock 162949 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162902/leeds-rhinos-strike-record-kit-deal The Leeds Rhinos rugby league club have signed a record five year sponsorship deal with Australian apparel manufacturer ISC. Marketing United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Fri, 9 Nov 2007 09:57:23 +0000 mglendinning 162902 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162888/the-rfu-reappoints-cps-as-rights-agency The Rugby Football Union reappointed Copyright Promotions Sport as its exclusive worldwide rights agency, responsible for developing the RFU brand through commercial partnerships. Marketing United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Thu, 8 Nov 2007 09:08:05 +0000 msherlock 162888 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162862/italy-to-play-six-nations-at-stadio-flaminio Italy will play next year's home Six Nations matches at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome, despite fears that reconstruction work has fallen behind schedule. Events Italy Rugby Stadia & Facilities Fri, 2 Nov 2007 10:54:32 +0000 msherlock 162862 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162804/wood-appointed-as-rfl-ceo Nigel Wood has been promoted from COO to CEO of the English Rugby Football League (RFL) to take full management responsibility of the RFL executive. Events United Kingdom Recruitment Rugby Thu, 25 Oct 2007 08:51:04 +0100 mglendinning 162804 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162785/bernard-lapasset-elected-irb-chairman Bernard Lapasset has been elected as Chairman of the International Rugby Board (IRB), the sport’s world governing body. The French Rugby Federation (FFR) President succeeds Dr Syd Millar, who did not seek re-election. Events France Administration Rugby Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:10:22 +0100 msherlock 162785 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162747/sky-wins-rugby-league-world-cup-rights Sky Sports has struck new deals to show the final qualifiers for the Rugby League World Cup and the whole of next year's tournament. Media United Kingdom Rugby TV Rights Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:38:53 +0100 mglendinning 162747 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162746/funding-crisis-hits-eden-park-redevelopment New Zealand rugby faces another crisis after Auckland's new mayor John Banks said he would not honour the previous encumbent's undertaking to pay $30 million towards the $190 million redevelopment of Eden Park for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Events New Zealand Rugby Stadia & Facilities Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:35:02 +0100 mglendinning 162746 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162744/record-audience-for-england-rugby-semi-final More than 12 million viewers in Britain – 51 per cent of the television audience - tuned in to watch England beat France in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals on ITV1. Media United Kingdom Audience Data Rugby Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:25:15 +0100 mglendinning 162744 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162725/bbc-renews-six-nations-agreement The BBC has renewed its deal to broadcast rugby union‘s Six Nations championships up to and including 2013. Events United Kingdom Broadcast Rugby TV Rights Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:08:45 +0100 msherlock 162725 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162708/french-broadcaster-rakes-in-rwc-bonus French broadcast group TF1 will make a profit on its €50 million outlay on the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Media France Broadcast Rugby TV Rights Tue, 9 Oct 2007 09:33:52 +0100 msherlock 162708 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162669/france-televisions-snaps-up-rugby-rights French public-service broadcaster France Télévisions acquired the rights for rugby union’s Six Nations tournament for the period from 2010 to 2013. Events France Rugby TV Rights Wed, 3 Oct 2007 09:38:05 +0100 mglendinning 162669 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162528/rugby-world-cup-goes-wireless-for-verizon Setanta Sports North America has teamed up with Verizon Wireless to offer Rugby World Cup video clip footage to V Cast Video customers. Media United States Mobile Rugby Fri, 7 Sep 2007 06:07:50 +0100 cbritcher 162528 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162513/rangers-tycoon-in-2-7-million-rugby-union-sponsorship Sir David Murray, the chairman of Rangers FC is to invest almost £1 million a year over the next three years into the Scottish rugby union. Marketing United Kingdom Football Soccer Rugby Sponsorship Wed, 5 Sep 2007 10:23:29 +0100 msherlock 162513 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162491/fast-web-media-designs-rfu-micro-site Fast Web Media has been appointed by England rugby’s governing body the RFU to design and create a micro site for England supporters ahead of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Media United Kingdom Internet Rugby Fri, 31 Aug 2007 05:58:23 +0100 cbritcher 162491 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162467/news-groups-fight-rwc-accreditation-rules News groups have contested the International Rugby Board’s press accreditation rules for the Rugby World Cup, which include limits on still images being published on websites. Events France Event Management Rugby Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:49:00 +0100 mglendinning 162467 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162458/auckland-venue-to-get-nod-for-2011-final New Zealand rugby chiefs have confirmed the final and semi-finals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup are set to be staged at Auckland’s Eden Park. Events New Zealand Rugby Stadia & Facilities Fri, 24 Aug 2007 06:14:50 +0100 cbritcher 162458 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162431/espn-snaps-up-rugby-site-scrum-com Rugby website Scrum.com has become the latest acquisition by ESPN as it looks to push outside its North American boundaries. Media United States Internet Rugby Wed, 22 Aug 2007 06:21:18 +0100 cbritcher 162431 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162409/heineken-to-sponsor-rugby-reunion-show Heineken is to sponsor a celebration of Rugby World Cup history to be screened on ITV 1 to launch the broadcaster’s live coverage of Rugby World Cup 2007. Events United Kingdom Broadcast Rugby Mon, 20 Aug 2007 09:25:30 +0100 mglendinning 162409 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162302/viagogo-agrees-new-funding-and-enters-us-market Secondary ticketing company viagogo launched in the US market with a deal with the Cleveland Browns NFL team and secured $30 million in a Series C round of funding from existing investors. Marketing Europe United States American Football Football Soccer Rugby Ticketing Wed, 8 Aug 2007 08:50:16 +0100 msherlock 162302 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162272/more-groups-join-premier-league-s-youtube-battle Additional sports right holders joined the Premier League’s class action lawsuit against YouTube and Google including the Rugby Football League; the Finnish Football League Association and boxing companies Knockout Entertainment Limited and Seminole Warriors Boxing. Media Finland United Kingdom United States Boxing Broadcast Football Soccer Internet Rugby Technology TV Rights Tue, 7 Aug 2007 08:39:45 +0100 msherlock 162272 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162234/setanta-scores-bigger-distribution-in-the-us Irish broadcast group Setanta signed a deal with EchoStar Communications Dish Network in the US to carry its 24-hour digital sports channel. Media United States Broadcast Football Soccer Rugby TV Rights Thu, 2 Aug 2007 09:37:28 +0100 msherlock 162234 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162230/irb-sevens-world-series-set-for-record-breaking-year The International Rugby Board announced the schedule for the world’s leading Rugby Sevens Tournament series, the IRB Sevens World Series. The series will comprise eight Tournament locations kicking off in Dubai in late November and climaxing in Scotland in late May 2008. Events Event Management Rugby Thu, 2 Aug 2007 09:26:09 +0100 msherlock 162230 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162225/rugby-world-cup-plus-goes-live-with-video-on-demand-service Online broadcaster MediaZone and the Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) launched RWC Plus, the official and exclusive broadband video On Demand service for Rugby World Cup 2007. Media Broadcast Internet Rugby Wed, 1 Aug 2007 09:59:45 +0100 msherlock 162225 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162220/etihad-airways-sponsors-harlequins Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has signed a three-year deal to be the main sponsor of Harlequins rugby club. Events United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Tue, 31 Jul 2007 10:26:34 +0100 mglendinning 162220 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162210/australia-s-seven-network-loses-lawsuit Kerry Stokes's Seven Network Ltd. lost a lawsuit alleging Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. and others colluded to win TV rights for the Australian Football League, forcing the closure of his C7 sports channel. Media Australia Australian Rules Football Broadcast Rugby TV Rights Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:35:25 +0100 msherlock 162210 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162187/rfu-agrees-sponsorship-deal-with-online-betting-exchange The English Rugby Football Union agreed a sponsorship deal with online betting exchange, Betfair. Marketing United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:12:47 +0100 msherlock 162187 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162186/auckland-to-host-2011-rugy-world-cup-final Aukland’s Eden Park stadium is set to be redeveloped and will host the 2011 World Cup final. Events New Zealand Event Management Rugby Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:12:04 +0100 msherlock 162186 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162179/two-million-tickets-sold-for-rugby-world-cup-2007 With less than 50 days to go before the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2007 the France 2007 Organising Committee has announced that the two millionth ticket has been sold. The Committee’s objective of a minimum 85 per cent ticket sales target is therefore well on the way to being achieved. Events France Rugby Ticketing Mon, 23 Jul 2007 09:10:01 +0100 msherlock 162179 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162157/setanta-sports-to-deliver-rwc-online Setanta SportsNorth America will be the exclusive live online broadcaster of the 2007 IRB Rugby World Cup. Events United States Internet Rugby Tue, 17 Jul 2007 09:55:21 +0100 nicolarogers 162157 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162142/sanzar-rugby-unions-feel-wrath-of-broadcast-partners According to reports the SANZAR rugby unions have been warned by their national broadcast partners that a repeat of this season’s selection policy – in which under-strength sides were fielded - would not be tolerated. Media Australia North Korea South Africa Broadcast Rugby TV Rights Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:21:41 +0100 msherlock 162142 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162137/governing-bodies-say-there-is-much-work-to-be-done-on-eu-white-paper The International Olympic Committee and FIFA published a joint statement, later echoed by the International Rugby Board, acknowledging the publication of the EU White Paper on Sport. While welcoming the concept of the paper they stressed that they feel the content of the final version represents a missed opportunity. Other European sporting federations including UEFA, FIBA Europe, and the European Handball Federation all also publicly expressed concerns with the White Paper. Media Europe Administration Basketball Football Soccer Rugby Summer Olympics Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:41:19 +0100 msherlock 162137 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162136/rfl-re-appoints-img-media The RFL, the governing body of Rugby League, extended its existing contract with IMG Media, its exclusive worldwide media agency. The deal covers all media rights including TV, radio, DVD, IN-flight, ship-at-sea and new media. Media United Kingdom Broadcast Internet Mobile Rugby TV Rights Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:40:01 +0100 msherlock 162136 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162129/rugby-in-danger-of-losing-sponsorship The Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill warned that sponsorship deals and other income steams could be at risk if Test matches are not treated seriously by participating teams. Marketing Rugby Sponsorship Ticketing TV Rights Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:00:24 +0100 msherlock 162129 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162110/hong-kong-marketer-invests-in-sa-rugby-club Hong Kong-based sports marketing company ActionHouse International has become a major shareholder of Valke Rugby, the professional South African Rugby Club who were Champions of the Vodacom Cup in 2006. Events South Africa Finance Rugby Fri, 6 Jul 2007 10:34:04 +0100 mglendinning 162110 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162056/img-media-wins-rights-for-2008-rugby-league-world-cup The Rugby League International Federation appointed IMG Media to act as exclusive sales agents for the international TV rights to the Rugby League World Cup, 2008. Media Australia Agencies Rugby TV Rights Wed, 27 Jun 2007 09:05:55 +0100 msherlock 162056 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162008/rwc-2011-puts-hospitality-and-travel-out-to-tender Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL), owner of the commercial rights associated with Rugby World Cup 2011, is seeking tenders from organisations to operate the official hospitality and travel package programmes for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand. Events Event Management Rugby Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:24:28 +0100 msherlock 162008 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/162005/western-province-considers-new-stadium South Africa’s Western Province Rugby Union is looking to move rugby out of its traditional home at Newlands to Cape Town’s new Green Point Stadium after
the 2010 World Cup. Events South Africa Rugby Stadia & Facilities Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:56:09 +0100 mglendinning 162005 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/161988/northern-rock-renews-falcons-sponsorship Northern Rock has extended its shirt sponsorship deal with English Premiership rugby union club, Newcastle Falcons, making the partnership the longest unbroken main sponsorship in the league’s history. Events United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Thu, 14 Jun 2007 09:23:23 +0100 mglendinning 161988 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/161963/rfl-declares-2006-profit The Rugby Football League declared an annual profit for the fifth consecutive year. Marketing United Kingdom Finance Rugby Fri, 8 Jun 2007 09:15:38 +0100 msherlock 161963 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/161948/dubai-sports-city-unveils-international-events-strategy Dubai Sports City unveiled its strategy to bring a share of the global sports business market to the UAE. Events UAE Cricket Event Management Federations Football Soccer Golf Hockey Hospitality Rugby Tennis Wed, 6 Jun 2007 09:37:39 +0100 msherlock 161948 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/161926/210-000-additional-tickets-go-on-sale-for-rugby-world-cup-2007 The Organising Committee of Rugby World Cup 2007 in France released over 210,000 additional tickets for sale online to the general public. Events France Event Management Rugby Ticketing Fri, 1 Jun 2007 08:59:04 +0100 msherlock 161926 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/161867/irb-gears-up-for-record-world-cup-revenue The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced strong year-end financial results for 2006 driven by record revenues in the lead up to Rugby World Cup 2007. Events France Finance Rugby Tue, 22 May 2007 08:52:05 +0100 mglendinning 161867 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/161863/green-light-for-heineken-cup The Heineken Cup will go ahead next season with a full compliment of English and French teams thanks to a settlement reached between European rugby’s key stakeholders. Events France Administration Rugby Mon, 21 May 2007 10:48:27 +0100 mglendinning 161863 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/161852/100-000-extra-tickets-go-on-sale-for-rwc-2007 The Organising Committee of Rugby World Cup 2007 in France released over 100,000 additional tickets for general sale to the public. Events France Rugby Ticketing Thu, 17 May 2007 08:50:18 +0100 msherlock 161852 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/161837/sarecens-and-man-group-extend-deal Saracens and Man Group plc agreed a deal for Man Group to continue as the main club sponsor for a further three years. Marketing United Kingdom Rugby Sponsorship Tue, 15 May 2007 09:03:27 +0100 msherlock 161837 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/161828/changes-for-rugby-world-cup-2011-qualifying-structure The qualifying structure for future Rugby World Cups is to be changed to better reflect the modern Game and to increase the profile of one of the world’s largest sporting events. Events Administration Event Management Rugby Fri, 11 May 2007 10:01:34 +0100 msherlock 161828 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/161808/setanta-in-us-rugby-partnership Setanta Sports, the international sports broadcaster, has become an official sponsor of US Eagles - the US Men's National Rugby Team - and an official presenting sponsor of USA Rugby. Media United States Broadcast Rugby Wed, 9 May 2007 10:13:44 +0100 mglendinning 161808 at http://www.sportbusiness.com http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/161805/deal-set-to-save-heineken-cup Rugby union chiefs are expected to announce an end to the bitter row which had threatened the future of next season’s Heineken Cup competition. Events Europe Administration Event Management Rugby Tue, 8 May 2007 09:48:10 +0100 msherlock 161805 at http://www.sportbusiness.com