Viaplay has agreed a two-year partnership with European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) to show the EPCR Challenge Cup in the UK until the conclusion of the 2023/2024 season.
Fans can follow matches on the Viaplay streaming service and the Viaplay Sports 1 and Viaplay Sports 2 TV channels.
This year’s EPCR Challenge Cup, which kicks off on Friday, will feature seven British teams, and will also include South African sides for the first time. Currently held by French TOP 14 club Lyon, the international EPCR Challenge Cup is contested annually between 18 teams.
During the 2022/23 season, Viaplay will show at least four EPCR Challenge Cup matches in each of the pool stage rounds in the UK, starting on Friday night with the Pool A clash between USAP and Bristol Bears at the Stade Aimé Giral in Perpignan.
Ed Breeze, Viaplay Group Head of Sports UK: “We are thrilled to partner with EPCR and to secure even more world-class rugby to complement our BKT United Rugby Championship and TOP 14 coverage. Rugby is a top priority for Viaplay in the UK, and our viewers can look forward to some of the very best action from the EPCR Challenge Cup over the coming two years.”
EPCR Chairman, Dominic McKay, said: “This is a momentous season for the tournaments as we welcome the leading South African clubs into the EPCR fold, and Viaplay are an important addition to the wide range of subscription and free-to-air agreements we already have in place for the new broadcast cycle. Already broadcasting our League competitions, the BKT United Rugby Championship and LNR’s TOP 14, Viaplay have rugby broadcast experience in place and are certain to bring new viewers to the EPCR Challenge Cup in the UK.”
A talented team of renowned former players including John Barclay, Bob Skinstad, Tom Shanklin and Matt Banahan will be among Viaplay’s analysts for its EPCR Challenge Cup coverage - with experienced rugby presenters Ross Harries, Emma Dodds and Graham Little leading the coverage.
Viaplay’s Round 1 live fixtures are as follows:
- USAP v Bristol Bears – Friday 9 December 8pm
- Emirates Lions v Dragons RFC – Saturday 10 December 10.45am
- Bath Rugby v Glasgow Warriors – Saturday 10 December 1pm
- Section Paloise v Toyota Cheetahs – Saturday 10 December 1pm
- Connacht v Newcastle Falcons – Saturday 10 December 5.30pm
Viaplay launched in the UK on 1 November and has rights to the BKT United Rugby Championship and TOP 14 in its rugby portfolio. Its live sports line-up includes all qualifying matches for the UEFA EURO and FIFA World Cup played by Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland’s men’s teams until 2028. It also shows LaLiga, Scottish Cup, Viaplay Cup and Coppa Italia football; NHL and Viaplay Elite League ice hockey; PDC European Tour darts and much more.
Viaplay is available on Sky, Virgin TV, Amazon Prime and online through the Viaplay App from just £11.99 per month. To find out more visit www.viaplay.com
