Virgin Media launches Premier Sports Rugby
Dan Howdle • March 26th, 2025
Virgin Media TV has launched Premier Sports Rugby, the UK's first dedicated 24/7 rugby channel. This new addition offers fans extensive coverage of major rugby competitions, including the Investec Champions Cup and the United Rugby Championship.
A New Era for Rugby Fans
Rugby enthusiasts across the UK have reason to celebrate as Virgin Media TV introduces Premier Sports Rugby, the nation's first channel dedicated entirely to rugby, broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This landmark addition underscores Virgin Media's commitment to delivering diverse and comprehensive sports content to its subscribers.
Comprehensive Rugby Coverage
Premier Sports Rugby offers an extensive lineup of rugby competitions, ensuring fans have access to a wide array of matches and related content. Key offerings include:
- Investec Champions Cup – Featuring Europe's elite clubs vying for the prestigious title.
- EPCR Challenge Cup – Showcasing top-tier European rugby action.
- United Rugby Championship – Highlighting premier teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa.
- TOP14 Highlights – Delivering key moments from France's top professional rugby league.
- Japanese Rugby League One – Broadcasting two live games per round from Japan's premier rugby competition.
- Major League Rugby – Providing coverage of leading matches from the United States' professional rugby league.
This diverse programming ensures that fans can immerse themselves in both domestic and international rugby, catering to a broad spectrum of interests within the sport.
Accessing Premier Sports Rugby
For existing Premier Sports subscribers, Premier Sports Rugby is available at no additional cost. The channel can be found on channel 553, seamlessly integrating into the current lineup. New subscribers can add Premier Sports to their Virgin TV package for £15.99 per month, gaining access to all Premier Sports channels, which encompass a variety of sports beyond rugby, including football and ice hockey.
Enhancing the Viewing Experience
In addition to live matches, Premier Sports Rugby offers a range of supplementary content designed to enrich the viewing experience. This includes in-depth analyses, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes features, providing fans with a comprehensive understanding of the game and its players.
Virgin Media's Commitment to Sports
The launch of Premier Sports Rugby is part of Virgin Media's broader strategy to enhance its sports offerings. David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, stated, "The expansion of our Premier Sports offering to include the brand-new 24/7 rugby channel demonstrates our commitment to further enhancing our sports offering and providing something for all of our customers to enjoy – from football and rugby to hockey and motorsport, we've got sports fans covered."
Navigating Recent Channel Changes
The introduction of Premier Sports Rugby comes at a time of significant shifts within the broadcasting landscape. Notably, the recent closure of Eurosport in the UK has led to the consolidation of sports content under TNT Sports. Virgin Media has responded to these changes by rearranging its sports channel lineup to ensure continued access to major sporting events for its subscribers.
Expanding Sports Content
Beyond rugby, Virgin Media continues to broaden its sports content portfolio. Subscribers have access to a variety of sports channels, including Sky Sports and TNT Sports, offering coverage of events such as the Premier League, Formula 1, and more. This comprehensive approach caters to a wide range of sports enthusiasts, ensuring diverse viewing options.
Future Developments
Virgin Media remains committed to evolving its services to meet the changing preferences of its audience. The company plans to introduce additional channels and features, including more Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels, blending traditional TV viewing with streaming options to offer greater flexibility and choice to subscribers.
Conclusion
The launch of Premier Sports Rugby marks a significant milestone for Virgin Media TV and rugby fans across the UK. By providing dedicated, round-the-clock coverage of major rugby competitions, Virgin Media enhances the viewing experience for enthusiasts, reaffirming its position as a leading provider of diverse and comprehensive sports content.
