Sky screening of PRO14 action to end

SKY Sports will not be showing Guinness PRO14 matches from next season.

The satellite TV company have been on board as broadcasters since 2014.

But their four-year deal comes to an end this season and it’s understood it will not be renewed.

Sky did tender a bid to retain the broadcasting rights for the UK and Ireland.

But they have been outbid for the Irish rights by subscription channel Eir Sport, who will take over from next season.

Sky’s strategy was based on having the rights for both the UK and Ireland. So, having lost out in the Emerald Isle, they will now not be involved at all. That leaves the door open for new broadcasters to come on board in the UK.

It’s understood that both pay TV and free-to-air companies are now involved in bidding for the rights in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and potentially England.

It remains to be seen whether BT Sport have thrown their hat into the ring.

BBC Wales and S4C will no doubt be eager to carry on showing live games involving the Welsh regions, with BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Alba also currently transmitting matches.

As for Eir, they have been ramping up their presence in rugby of late, winning the Irish broadcasting rights for the 2019 World Cup.

It is believed their deal with the PRO14 could involve a sub-licensing agreement, allowing free-to-air station TG4 to still provide coverage of the tournament.