RTÉ and United Rugby Championship (URC) have together released a streaming service that aims to give fans the opportunity to watch games live and on-demand.

URC TV enables fans to watch all 151 home and away games, as well as highlights, archive matches and other videos at any time, and aims to provide an easily accessible’ global service across multiple devices.

Dee Forbes, RTÉ Director General said: “We are delighted to collaborate with URC on the launch of this innovative new global OTT service to ensure fans across the world don’t miss a moment of URC action”.

Free in all countries, URC matches are to be broadcast in HD with English commentary and apps are to launch soon after the tournament commences.

Martin Anayi, Chief Executive of the URC, added: “In addition to RTÉ strength in TV it has experience of streaming big sporting events globally and is evidence of a broadcaster that can adapt to market demands and provide a very creative offering for rights holders.”

On Wednesday, RTÉ and TG4 confirmed that they will be delivering over 150 hours of URC action to Irish audiences, including the broadcast of live television, radio and online coverage of 26 games, plus additional knockout matches.

URC TV will offer subscription packages and these will be available for fans watching in Ireland, Europe (excluding UK), US and a number of other territories.The development further enhances the reach of the competition – which features teams from South Africa, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – following its acquisition of free-to-air coverage in Italy via a deal with Mediaset.

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