The Gallagher Premiership, England’s professional rugby union competition, has attracted its biggest-ever television audience, with more than 1.5 million viewers tuning in to watch Saracens vs Harlequins on March 25.
The match was shown on both ITV and BT Sport, generating a peak audience of 1.516 million – 1.33 million on ITV and 186,000 on BT Sport. As a result, 7.1% of all UK TV viewers were tuned into the match at that time.
To put things into perspective, 1.3 million watched last season’s Grand Final between Leicester Tigers and Saracens on the same two channels.
Last year, ITV and Premiership Rugby agreed a deal to bring the competition back to free-to-air television in the UK, with the broadcaster showing seven matches this season, including the Grand Final.
Simon Massie-Taylor, chief executive of Premiership Rugby, said:
“We are delighted to see the latest record-breaking TV figures from Gallagher Premiership Rugby.
“And we are equally pleased to see stadium attendances remaining on a strong upwards trajectory in yet another unmissable season that is set to go right to the wire.
“A huge thanks must go to all Premiership Rugby fans for their dedication and support, as well as our clubs, broadcast partners and sponsors who help us deliver the outstanding entertainment enjoyed by millions of people.
“It is incredible to see eight teams still very much in the mix for the four semi-final spots ahead of our showpiece Gallagher Premiership Rugby final at Twickenham on May 27.
“Supporters can also continue to keep across the non-stop entertainment live on BT Sport, ITV or Premiership Rugby TV, with tickets for the final on sale now.”
The regular season is set to end on May 6, with the Grand Final scheduled for May 27. Stick with Sporticos for more rugby broadcasting developments and insightful Sports Streams News.
