The 2014 Kingstone Press Championship Grand Final will be televised at the end of the season by Sky Sports, the Rugby Football League (RFL) has confirmed.
English rugby league’s second tier was left without a broadcast partner for the 2014 season after Premier Sports dropped its acclaimed coverage shortly before the start of the current campaign.
The move by Premier Sports to not fulfill its three-year contract, which began in 2012, came as a result of the announcement of Sky Sports’ new multi-year Super League TV deal – which includes live rights to regular Championship matches from 2015 onwards – as well as the restructuring of English rugby league from next year.
Sky Sports will therefore return to covering the RFL Championship later this year, having covered games prior to 2012, when it screens the Kingstone Press Championship One Grand Final from Headingley Carnegie Stadium in Leeds on Sunday, October 5.
In addition, the highly anticipated Championship One Grand Final, the winners of which will be promoted to the Championship, will also be shown live on the same day on Sky Sports, kicking off at 4.05pm before the main event is scheduled to begin at 6.45pm.
The Kingstone Press Championship 1 Final will see the winning team promoted into the new two twelve team structure so both teams and sets of fans will be giving their all to secure that precious final spot in the new structure.
RFL Operationg Officer Ralph Rimmer said: “It is terrific news for the Kingstone Press Championships and for Rugby League fans that both the Grand Finals will be showcased live on Sky Sports.
“Kingstone Press Championships Finals Day is always a highlight in the sporting calendar and I’m sure this year will be even more special.”
Gordon Johncox, Managing Director of the Championships title sponsors Kingstone Press, said: “It’s fantastic news that Championships Finals Day is going to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
“Having the day televised is a great opportunity for a huge audience to see the excitement of Rugby League and allows even more fans to watch the buzz of the day’s events.
“It is set to be a great ending to the season where fans can enjoy an amazing atmosphere, exhilarating rugby and, of course, our cider.”
Sky Sports executive producer of Rugby League Neville Smith said: “Championship Finals Day has always been one of my favourite days in the Rugby League calendar.
“Without fail the day delivers great matches, end-to-end entertainment, last gasp results, and a superb atmosphere.
“I am delighted that we are going to be able to give it the full Sky Sports treatment, and that it is back on the home of Rugby League in the UK, Sky Sports.”
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