BBC Northern Ireland has secured the rights to show live coverage of Magners League rugby for the next four seasons.

All Ulster's home matches, and the away ones against the other Irish provinces, will be screened on BBC2 NI.

Other away games will be available via the red button or the BBC Sport website if covered by partner broadcasters in Scotland, Wales and Italy.

BBC NI will be providing coverage of the Magners League in partnership with BBC ALBA, RTE and TG4.

The programmes will be presented by Stephen Watson, with Jim Neilly and Ryan Constable in the commentary box.

Peter Johnston, Director, BBC NI said: "We are delighted to be able to announce this new deal, particularly at such an exciting time for Ulster Rugby, with a core of talented young local players set to be joined next season by newly recruited, top-class overseas stars.

"This is a great addition to our sports portfolio for Northern Ireland audiences and great news for rugby fans here."

Ulster Rugby's chief executive Shane Logan believed the deal would help increase interest and involvement in the sport.

"Since turning professional, a little over 10 years ago, rugby has gone from strength to strength," he said.

"This move will bring further new audiences for the game and support our development of the sport at grassroots level."

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