Sky Sports secures exclusive 2013 British & Irish Lions rights
Sky Sports has secured the exclusive live rights to the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.
The satellite broadcaster will air all three Tests between the Lions and the Wallabies across all platforms - TV, PC, tablet and smartphone - next June and July, as well as the seven tour matches against regional opponents.
Sky's relationship with the Lions will extend into its 17th year as a result of this agreement, while the forthcoming tour will be the fifth covered exclusively by the pay TV giant since 1997.
En route to Australia, the Lions are set to kick off the trip with a clash against the Barbarians in Hong Kong.
Between now and the start of the tour, Sky will give viewers the opportunity to keep up with the form of possible Lions selections by broadcasting England's autumn internationals, the Aviva Premiership, the Heineken Cup and several other matches.
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."
