Boyack kicks off over TV rugby coverage

EDINBURGH Central Labour MSP Sarah Boyack is backing a call for better television coverage of club rugby across Scotland.

At present, live coverage of the Magners League and the Heineken Cup, which both feature Scotland's two professional teams, Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors, is restricted to satellite broadcasters in Scotland with a highlights package appearing on STV.

And Ms Boyack said the lower levels of the Scottish game received extremely limited television exposure by Scottish broadcasters.

She said: "Rugby enjoys a significant following across Scotland but there are significant gaps in coverage on television for the sport, particularly on terrestrial channels.

"If you are not fortunate enough to be connected to a pay-to-view provider, your chances of watching a live club game in Scotland are near non-existent.

"A greater presence on our television screens would help to boost interest and participation in the sport amongst young people."