BBC Scotland strives to make amends on Argentina Test deal

BBC Scotland are hopeful of being able to screen both of Scotland's summer Test matches in Argentina this year.

The last time Scotland toured, and claimed their first Test win in South America, was in 2008 and an offer then from BBC Scotland was deemed too low by the Argentinian host broadcaster and union for them to be given any rights. It is understood the offer was less than that BBC Scotland pay Melrose to cover their prestigious sevens tournament.

The BBC did send reporter Alisdair Lamont and commentator Bill Johnstone to Argentina, and they provided daily reports and a radio commentary; however, the only match pictures available to Scottish supporters outside Argentina were relayed via websites.

A BBC spokesman told The Scotsman: "It is not an easy time this year because the Test matches clash with football World Cup games on Saturdays in South Africa, but we have made an offer to broadcast both Tests which we could do on BBC2. We are still in discussions with the relevant bodies about being able to take these games this year and are certainly hopeful that it will happen."

He refused to disclose what the offer was, but there is growing pressure on BBC Scotland to reflect its remit to the licence fee-payer in Scotland by investing in more than purely football. After pulling the plug on the deal to broadcast Scotland's autumn Test matches, the Melrose Sevens, which will be screened this afternoon on BBC2, is now the only live rugby that BBC Scotland invest in outside the BBC network's deals for the Six Nations. The 2010 autumn Test series where Scotland play Samoa, South Africa and New Zealand is still without a broadcaster.

SRU director of communications Dominic McKay said: "We are working hard to agree deals, but at present we do not have a broadcaster for the Argentina Tests nor the autumn series. Scottish Rugby remains extremely keen to ensure that the tour matches in Argentina are televised for our supporters. These are important games against a nation we will meet next year in the Rugby World Cup."