PREM Rugby extends free-to-air broadcast partnership

PREM Rugby have extended their free-to-air broadcast partnership with ITV by another two years.

The deal will see ITV continue to broadcast seven live matches per season alongside TNT Sports, including the Gallagher PREM final.

Last season’s final drew and audience of 1.3 million viewers across ITV and TNT Sports, which was one in six of all UK viewers and a share of share of 16.5 per cent. That was an increase from the 1.2 million viewers the season before.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with ITV, which is now into its fifth year,” said head of broadcast for PREM Rugby Ollie Lewis.

“Giving fans of Gallagher PREM Rugby free-to-air access across the season, alongside the Six Nations, is the perfect blend to showcase the stars of our league to wider audiences.”

Niall Sloane, director of ITV Sport, added: “The Gallagher PREM serves up world-class rugby and the extension of our current deal means ITV continues to deliver free-to-air rugby for audiences in the UK, adding to our already expanding rugby portfolio.”