Celtic League media boost
August 16, 2001

Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Bill Watson believes that media coverage of the new Celtic League can boost the Scottish game.

The re-packaged Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Gunners begin their campaigns on Friday against Leinster and Munster respectively.

And Watson insists that the SRU are ``absolutely confident'' that further major sponsorship deals will soon be forthcoming for the new competition which will include Irish, Welsh and Scottish clubs.

Watson said: ``I'm delighted to confirm that the Celtic League has attracted a comprehensive portfolio of broadcast partners.

``This will ensure that the game in Scotland will be given the oxygen of television exposure for our two professional teams.

``The Celtic League as a whole will enjoy widespread live and highlights covering.

``In Scotland our partners Scottish Television will provide coverage while Ireland will have coverage from TG4, BBC Northern Ireland and Ulster Television.

``Wales will have S4C and BBC Wales and, in addition British Eurosport will broadcast matches and highlights on a Pan-European basis.

``The television negotiations have been complex and it would be accurate to say that securing these TV deals has shortened the window of time for us to bring on board major sponsors for the Celtic League.

``However discussions are still on-going with major businesses and we are confident that top level sponsorship will be secured.''

Read Jonathan McConnell's preview of the Celtic League by clicking here.

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