07 Jun 10

TalkSport grabs Rugby World Cup rights

TalkSport has secured exclusive UK radio commentary rights to the rugby union World Cup next year.

The UTV Media-owned station will air live commentary from 48 matches at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, which is being held in New Zealand.

Scott Taunton, TalkSport chief executive, said that the deal reinforces the station's reputation as the "UK's most exciting live sports broadcaster". The exclusive deal was agreed with sports marketing group IMG, which handles the rights on behalf of Rugby World Cup organiser the International Rugby Board (IRB).

However, the deal will be a blow to Five Live, which has built a strong reputation for covering the tournament in recent years.