Sky Sports to Air British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia in 2013

Sky Sports have continued their long relationship with the British & Irish Lions by securing a new broadcast deal of their tour to to Australia next year.

Sky Sports viewers with Sky will be able to enjoy all three Tests plus seven tour matches in June and July 2013 across TV, PC, mobile and tablet devices.

The deal extends the relationship between Sky Sports and the British & Irish Lions into its 17th year and the tour will be the fifth shown exclusively live by the broadcaster since 1997.

The British & Irish Lions will take on World Cup semi-finalists Australia in three Test matches plus tour fixtures against the likes of Australia’s Super Rugby teams. The tour begins in June with a match against the Barbarians in Hong Kong.

Barney Francis, managing director at Sky Sports, said: “This deal secures even more fantastic live rugby union on Sky Sports. Our viewers can enjoy a fascinating build up to the Lions tour, which itself promises to be a must see event.

“This deal provides Sky Sports with an unrivalled choice of high quality action. Together with the British & Irish Lions, we have long-term agreements in place to show the best in live sport, including Premier League and UEFA Champions League football, Test and one-day cricket, Formula One plus European, Ryder Cup and US tour golf. Our coverage also remains pioneering and available across multiple platforms. Taken together, Sky Sportsremains the home of sport, with the best line-up of sport in the UK and Ireland.”

John Feehan, the British & Irish Lions CEO, added: “We are absolutely delighted that Sky will be showing the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia and Hong Kong live next year. Over the last number of tours we have come to expect only the best coverage and huge commitment from Sky to showcase the best of British & Irish rugby talent. This continued support fromSky is particularly welcome for next year which will mark our 125th anniversary as the British & Irish Lions.”