Battle over TV rights could lead to a mauling for Ireland's provinces

A television rights war is set to determine the future of European Cup rugby, with Irish provinces facing a serious financial hit if it is not resolved.

Leinster celebrate their 2012 Heineken Cup Final victory at Twickenham: but Irish sides may have little to cheer if English clubs get their way. Picture: Sportsfile

A television rights war is set to determine the future of European Cup rugby, with Irish provinces facing a serious financial hit if it is not resolved.

Sky Sports currently holds the rights for the Heineken Cup, having signed a deal with the Dublin-based ERC through to 2018.

However, the viability of that deal is under threat as the English clubs, represented by Premiership Rugby (PRL), have a deal with rival broadcaster BT ...