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RTE Sport and Newstalk retain European rugby radio rights

Familiar voices will convey the emotion and excitement of the European Rugby Champions Cup in Ireland after RTÉ Sport and Newstalk signed three-year radio rights deals with European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR).

The agreements, which run until the end of the 2019/20 season, will see further excellent coverage of the most compelling club rugby in the world which attracted more than one million spectators through the turnstiles last season with bumper attendances in Ireland as both Leinster Rugby and Munster Rugby reached the semi-finals.

"Being able to renew with trustworthy partners who recognise the quality rugby offered in European competitions is good news and that's what we have with both RTÉ Sport and Newstalk,” said EPCR Director General, Vincent Gaillard. "Rugby supporters across Europe enjoyed the passion generated by the Champions Cup last season in Ireland, which is a key market for us historically and symbolically, so we are delighted that fans will continue to enjoy such comprehensive coverage.”

RTÉ Group Head of Sport, Ryle Nugent, said: "We are delighted to continue our relationship with Europe's premium rugby tournament. RTÉ Radio is looking forward to bringing expert commentary and analysis with Michael Corcoran and panellists including Donal Lenihan, Shane Byrne, Paddy Wallace and James Downey over the coming season. Coverage will be on both RTÉ Radio 1 and 2FM and listeners can expect an exciting tournament in the months ahead.”

Off The Ball Managing Editor, Ger Gilroy, said: "We're incredibly excited about the coming season of European rugby and thrilled to be part of the competition for the next three years. These games have thrown up some of the biggest occasions in Irish sports history and we'll be bringing all the colour, analysis and craic you'd expect with our award-winning team of commentators, analysts and reporters across Europe."

The Champions Cup kicks off on Friday, 13 October when Ulster Rugby take on Wasps at the Kingspan Stadium live on RTÉ radio, who will also broadcast live coverage of Leinster Rugby's home match against Montpellier in Pool 3 the following day. Meanwhile, Newstalk listeners will have live commentary of Munster Rugby's Round 1 visit to Castres Olympique on Sunday, 15 October.