TNT Sports is set to air more than 20 Premiership Women’s Rugby matches this season. This broadcaster, already known for showcasing men’s rugby, will now bring you one match from each match, along with the semi-final and final. The coverage will be produced by Buzz 16, just like the men’s Premiership, after some production improvements this summer.
The multi-year rights agreement kicks off on Saturday, November 18th, when Sale Sharks take on Bristol Bears at 12:30 PM. Throughout the season, live coverage will be complemented by video highlights, match reports, and in-depth interviews, available on Discovery+ and the TNT Sports App. Details about matches to be televised after the first weekend will be announced later.
This season, the league formerly known as Premier 15s, which BT Sport previously broadcasted, has been rebranded as Premiership Women’s Rugby. It will feature nine teams: Bristol Bears, Exeter Chiefs, last year’s champions Gloucester Hartpury, Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, Loughborough Lightning, Sale Sharks, Saracens, and Trailfinders Women. Notable players such as England’s Marlie Packer, Abby Dow, Zoe Aldcroft and world stars like Beatrice Rigoni, Kate Zackary, and Sophie de Goede will be taking the field.
Belinda Moore, CEO of Premiership Women’s Rugby, expressed her enthusiasm for this partnership, stating that it’s a pivotal moment in the history of women’s club rugby in England. With at least 21 live matches broadcast on TNT Sports and Discovery+ this season, they aim to create a weekend viewing tradition for fans and clubs, ultimately changing the league’s profile. Research by the Women’s Sports Trust shows there are 1.5 million committed women’s rugby fans in the UK, highlighting the potential of this partnership to grow the sport.
Scott Young, SVP of Content & Production at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, added that they are thrilled to bring live coverage of one of the world’s best women’s domestic rugby competitions to TNT Sports viewers. They plan to tell the unique stories of women’s rugby with a fresh approach that reflects the family-friendly and competitive nature of the sport.
Beyond the initial week, details about upcoming matches selected for live broadcast coverage will be shared on the digital and social platforms of Premiership Women’s Rugby and TNT Sports.
This is a significant step for women’s rugby in England, setting the stage for growth and excitement as they move towards the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.
