Scottish Rugby is delighted to announce that it has secured a new five year broadcast deal with the BBC, giving them exclusive rights to all Scotland’s home international matches.

In addition to the existing deal covering the RBS 6 Nations internationals, the new agreement confirmed today includes Scotland’s autumn test series’ up to and including the matches in 2009.

The BBC’s coverage includes matches in this year’s Abbey Autumn Test series with Scotland v Australia at Murrayfield on Saturday 6 November, Scotland v Australia at Hampden Park on Saturday 20 November and Scotland v South Africa on Saturday 27 November being transmitted live on BBC network and Scotland v Japan at McDiarmid Park on Saturday 13 November broadcast live on BBC Scotland.

The deal also covers any matches between visiting international teams and the three Scottish professional sides (Edinburgh Rugby, The Borders and Glasgow Rugby) and any Six Nations A internationals, should they be re-arranged in the future.

On top of this, BBC Scotland will now hold the Celtic Cup rights with the Celtic Cup final being shown on BBC network Grandstand (subject to scheduling), as part of the deal made with the three Celtic Unions (Scottish Rugby, the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union).

Scottish Rugby’s Chief Executive Phil Anderton said: ‘I’m delighted by today’s announcement which extends the BBC’s outstanding coverage over the Autumn period and their commitment to the Celtic Cup. Viewing figures for rugby in Scotland on the BBC have seen a significant rise in recent years and we are confident that this trend will continue with the new deal.

‘This deal provides Scottish Rugby with stable income streams. Alongside the recently announced RBS 6 Nations deal, our relationship with the BBC will generate further income and make a significant positive impact on our finances,’ he added.

BBC Scotland’s Head of Sport, Neil Fraser, said: ‘BBC Scotland is delighted to announce it will provide live coverage of Celtic Cup matches and Scotland’s home internationals, including the Abbey Autumn Tests as well as the RBS 6 Nations’.

‘This package further strengthens our rugby coverage here in Scotland and underlines our commitment to broadcast sport at the very highest level.’

For further information please contact

David Sutherland, 0131 346 5166 or 07719 317940