Channel 4 to screen Euro Cup action

CHANNEL 4 has agreed a deal to broadcast live matches of the European Rugby Champions Cup until 2022.

The broadcaster will screen nine matches of the tournament each season, including the final, having signed a four-year contract with competition organisers European Professional Club Rugby. Starting in October, the channel plans to show one match from each of the six pool stages, one quarter-final and one semifinal, as well as the final.

Channel 4 sports commissioning editor Stephen Lyle said: “The Champions Cup is one of the most prestigious rugby union tournaments featuring many of the best players in the world and I’m sure viewers will be delighted to see it returning to free to air television.”

The cup competition, which is currently at the quarter-final stage this season, is the top tier tournament for clubs from countries which participate in the Six Nations.

European Professional Club Rugby director Carsten Couchouron said: “To have live Champions Cup rugby on Channel 4 will take the outstanding rugby experiences to more fans.”