The European Rugby Cup(ERU) and Sky Sports have extended their deal for Heinken Cup Broadcast rights for the next four years. The deal also covers the Amlin Challenge Cup. This will keep both tournaments on Sky until 2018. The rights cover both Britain and Ireland.

Announcing the extended deal, Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “This new deal with the ERC gives us live European Rugby for another four seasons. We (Sky Sports) have been pleased to be partners with the ERC for over a decade and see their tournaments grow. This is Rugby of the highest quality and these competitions give our viewers over 60 live games across eight months. The Heineken Cup and Amlin Cup will continue to line up with our exclusive live coverage of the British & Irish Lions, England’s autumn internationals and the best Rugby from the southern hemisphere.”

ERC Chief Executive Derek McGrath, said: “Over the past ten years Sky Sports has made a major contribution to the development of European club rugby and ERC is delighted to be able to extend our partnership for a further four seasons until 2018. Sky Sports innovative coverage and commitment has greatly enhanced the game in Europe and we look forward to working together over the next six seasons as the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup reaches new heights.”