BBC to retain broadcast rights to the rugby Challenge Cup until 2016
The BBC has announced that it has retained broadcast rights for the rugby league Challenge Cup until 2016.
Fourth and fifth-round games, quarter-finals, semis and the final itself will all be broadcast on BBC One as part of the new contract.
Barbara Slater, BBC director of sport, said: "The BBC has been the proud broadcast partner of the Challenge Cup for over half a century, so we're delighted to be continuing our long and successful relationship with the RFL.
"Rugby League forms a key part of the BBC's rights portfolio and through our new four-year deal we're looking forward to ensuring this prestigious and fiercely contested tournament reaches an ever-growing audience."
Richard Lewis, Rugby Football League (RFL) chairman, said: "The visibility and profile afforded by the sport's presence on the BBC and the BBC iPlayer is hugely important.
"We look forward to working with the BBC as they showcase all the excitement and drama from the Carnegie Challenge Cup and Stobart Super League.
"The Challenge Cup has a rich heritage and I am delighted that the competition's long association with the BBC is to continue."