ESPN has announced its next set of exclusively live Aviva Premiership matches as the race for the semi-final play-offs intensifies. The coverage begins on Friday 8th February game as bottom-placed Sale Sharks welcome upwardly-mobile West Country club Exeter Chiefs. The following day brings a London derby as leaders and reigning champions Harlequins face London Wasps.
Wasps feature again on Sunday 17th February as Gloucester Rugby visit Adams Park. On the evening of Friday 22nd February Gloucester take on Worcester Warriors, while Saturday 23rd February sees a repeat of the 2010 and 2011 Aviva Premiership Finals as ESPN broadcasts Leicester Tigers v Saracens live from Welford Road.
The clash between Bath Rugby and Gloucester kicks off the month of March when they face each other on Friday 1st March. The final game of ESPN’s new set of fixtures is another London derby, as second-placed Saracens face London Welsh at Allianz Park.
ESPN’s live televised Aviva Premiership matches are broadcast on-site at all the grounds from a custom built set, with all pre- and post-match discussion led by Mark Durden-Smith alongside analysts and former England internationals, Austin Healey and Ben Kay, as well as a special guest from the world of rugby every week. Commentary will come from Nick Mullins together with Healey and Kay. Sarra Elgan continues as ESPN’s chief rugby reporter, bringing all the news and player interviews from pitchside.
Aviva Premiership Rugby Highlights, ESPN’s 60-minute highlights programme, continues to air throughout the season. Hosted by ESPN’s rugby team, the weekly show will look back at the best of the weekend’s action and discuss the key talking points alongside a special studio guest.
Simon Potter, senior director, programming, ESPN, Europe Middle East & Africa, said: “This season has already produced some great rugby, and the fact that just five points separates first from sixth demonstrates the high quality and competitiveness of the Aviva Premiership. We’re looking forward to bringing fans more great fixtures as teams battle for the semi-final places and to avoid relegation.” Check out all Aviva Premiership fixtures
