With the current contract in place until the end of season 2009/10, the new contract - which covers television, radio and online coverage - will run from season 2010/11 through to season 2013/14. BBC Cymru Wales and S4C have broadcast coverage of the competition since it was first established as the Celtic League in 2001.
During the current deal with BBC Cymru Wales and S4C the Magners League has had some significant achievements and successes. The Magners League now commands global respect and has the reputation of being one of the best professional rugby union leagues in world rugby playing a brand of rugby that is the envy of many. Attendances at matches have doubled since 2005, (the start of the current broadcast deal), and Celtic Rugby can boast that in the last two seasons it has had consecutive six nations grand slam winners, European Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup winners; and the majority of the British and Irish Lions squad play their rugby in the Magners League.
The introduction of play-offs for next season and beyond can only add further to the excitement and growing interest in the Magners League. BBC Cymru Wales and S4C have been magnificent supporters of the Magners League and Celtic Rugby and have been a significant contributor in our successes and achievements.
BBC Cymru Wales Head of Sport Geoff Williams said: "It's fantastic that we will continue our relationship with Celtic Rugby to bring rugby fans the Magners League action that audiences love. The Magners League is now well established as must-see TV, providing competition for Wales' four rugby regions against the best that Ireland and Scotland have to offer. During the 2008/09 season, BBC Wales's Scrum V rugby coverage reached 300,000 rugby fans each week and we think fans across Wales will agree it's great news that BBC Wales coverage of the Magners League will continue."
S4C Head of Sport Geraint Rowlands said: "S4C is delighted to be broadcasting coverage of the Magners League for a further four years. We believe that the joint S4C/BBC Wales deal provides viewers with the comprehensive coverage that this growing competition merits. We will continue to provide top-quality live coverage of the league every weekend, normally on Saturdays, with our highly-respected presentation team."
Mr John Hussey, Chairman of Celtic Rugby commented: "I am delighted to announce the further renewal of the television contracts with BBC Wales and S4C, both of whom have been quality broadcast partners of a quality competition. A measure of the stature of the Magners League is that participating teams have won the Heineken Cup in three out of the last four seasons as well as providing four quarterfinalists in this year's competition. In addition to this there were 11 players from Magners League teams in the starting British & Irish Lions side who played South Africa at the weekend as well as six players among the replacements, giving an indication of the growth of the competition. The renewal of these broadcast partnerships will continue to enhance the viewing experience and reputation of the Magners League."
Director of Celtic Rugby David Jordan said: "I am delighted that we have continued our relationship with BBC Wales and S4C. They have always been very supportive partners of the Magners League and have been very important in helping us to create one of the best professional rugby union leagues in world rugby. With the league introducing play-offs next season then we can look forward to an increase in excitement and competitiveness."
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis added: "We are delighted that our broadcast partners BBC Wales and S4C are extending their television contract for the Magners League. The ongoing dedication and commitment of the Welsh broadcasters ensures the success of the competition for all parties. The introduction of play-offs next season will make the tournament compelling viewing through to the end of the season and we all want to build on the success of the tournament to date."
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