BT SPORT IS believed to be in advanced stages of negotiation with a view to sponsoring the Irish provinces from next season.
A report in The Sunday Telegraph claims that the TV broadcaster is planning on boosting its reputation with the sponsorship deals on these shores, as well as with the Welsh regions. The UK firm already has its logo on the jerseys of Scottish sides Edinburgh and Glasgow, although it is unclear whether the involvement with the Irish sides would involve similar logo placement.
Either way, this alleged move is indicative of the battle BT Sport is currently involved in with Sky Sports. The latter broadcaster is set to screen live Pro12 matches for the first time from next season, so there would be obvious advantages in BT having their logo prominently placed on those occasions.
BT are facing some uncertainty in European club rugby circles at the moment, with their deal to sponsor the Rugby Champions Cup now looking meaningless, but this would be another aggressive statement of their intent to dominate the rugby market in the UK and Ireland.
With clubs in France set to increased their wealth with a new TV rights deal for the Top 14, the Irish provinces will have been hoping for increased investment as they attempt to hold on to their top players.
Any potential contributions from BT Sport would likely be welcome in that regard.
