Gallagher Premiership and Major League Rugby announce landmark deal

Premiership Rugby and the United States' Major League Rugby (MLR) have announced today that they have signed a two-year exclusive rights deal for Gallagher Premiership Rugby matches to be televised on MLR’s over-the-top (OTT) platform The Rugby Network (TRN).

The Premiership season gets underway in October, and now fans in the United States will have full access to all 93 matches across the season.

MLR CEO Nic Benson said after the deal was announced: “Bringing Gallagher Premiership Rugby to U.S. fans on The Rugby Network showcases our commitment to delivering more world-class rugby content to our fans.

“The Gallagher Premiership showcases some of the best and most exciting rugby on the planet. We can’t wait for the season to kick-off October 13th.”

Simon Massie-Taylor, Premiership Rugby CEO, added: "The U.S. has a huge rugby following with more than 30 million fans of the sport so we are delighted to have agreed this landmark partnership with Major League Rugby.

"We also know that tens of thousands of them already engage with Premiership Rugby, so this is a great opportunity for both new and existing fans.

"The Rugby Network’s growing audience will be able to enjoy the unmissable entertainment of Gallagher Premiership Rugby as the game in North America enters a really exciting period of innovation and growth."

The Rugby Network already shows of Major League Rugby, international matches, collegiate rugby, highlight shows, and commentary, and it will now add English rugby to that list.

The new season is set to begin on October 13th.