BFBS to simulcast talkSPORT rugby

UTV and the British Forces Broadcasting Service have done a deal that will see talkSPORT’s exclusive commentaries of the Rugby World Cup 2011 this month broadcast to armed forces serving abroad.

Coverage of the home nations’ fixtures as well as all the knock-out stage games will be available to hear in more than 20 countries including Afghanistan, Germany, Cyprus and Canada.

BFBS Radio already airs talkSPORT’s two weekly Premier League commentary games. The UTV station has exclusive rights to broadcast coverage of all the Rugby World Cup matches, with the first taking place this Friday.

Moz Dee, talkSPORT’s Programme Director, said: “This is the first time that the Rugby World Cup will be appearing exclusively on commercial radio and we recognise our responsibility to the sport and to the fans which is why we have invested in a stellar line up of talent and are set to broadcast more games than ever before. Brian Moore, David Campese and John Taylor make an incredible team and we’re proud that through BFBS our troops will be able to enjoy the tournament.”

England legend Brian Moore, aka The Pit Bull, will be heading up talkSPORT’s coverage for the tournament alongside David Campese. He said: “The Rugby World Cup is a massive event and is sure to be a fantastic spectacle – I’m really pleased to be supporting our brave troops abroad.”

BFBS Controller Nicky Ness added: “I am delighted that the BFBS and talkSPORT partnership now extends to Rugby World Cup coverage. This tournament is really important to the armed forces community for whom sport is crucial part of life. The fact that our troops will be able to listen on the front line and in the far flung corners of the world will make a real difference to morale. Partnerships such as this also underline the value that Britain places on serving personnel and their families and for that we are extremely grateful.”