RaboDirect PRO12 Live on Terrestrial TV in Italy

The deal will start from the 9th round, bringing RaboDirect PRO12 live and on free to air TV across the whole of Italy, adding a new, exciting competition to those broadcast by Rai Sport along with the Italian Eccellenza Championship and U20 6 Nations.

"We are delighted to have reached an agreement with RAI" said John Feehan Chief Executive of RaboDirect PRO12. "It is an important step in the development of Rugby in Italy to have our matches broadcast live on Terrestrial TV. We are looking forward to working with RAI and the FIR on the broadcast of our exciting competition.

"We've closely worked and cooperated with the board of RaboDirect PRO12 to allow this great competition to reach as large an audience as possible" FIR President Giancarlo Dondi said. "Rai Sport and its director Eugenio De Paoli have once again been great rugby supporters and we're excited to have reached a deal that will bring such a high-level competition across the Italian territory. Most of our National Squad players are involved in the RaboDirect PRO12, as are many of our Six Nations opponents, which will make it an outstanding competition. Rai is really committed to broadcast rugby live and for free and we're extremely proud of that" Mr. Dondi added.

"Our commitment to Italian rugby grew continuously over the last years - Rai Sport director Eugenio De Paoli said - and RaboDirect PRO12 is a new step forward into world-class rugby. I'm sure that, as has already happened with the Italian championship and Italy U20's matches, audience and share will prove us right. RaboDirect PRO12 is such a top-class competition that will thrill both long-time fans and newcomers".