Historic deal sees BBC ALBA broadcast 11 club matches live

The Arnold Clark Women's Premiership begins in just 10 days.

The historic deal marks the first time both men’s and women’s league domestic rugby matches in Scotland will be played on free-to-air television. The matches will also be available live and on-demand on BBC iPlayer.

International viewers will be able to watch the games on the Scottish Rugby website.

Five men’s league matches and three women’s league matches will be covered, plus one of two men’s play-off matches, and both men’s and women’s finals. The deal demonstrates Scottish Rugby’s ongoing commitment to growing the club game.

The opening weekend of live televised fixtures sees a thrilling double-header, as the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership opens with four-time Premiership champions Ayr RFC hosting reigning Men’s Premiership champions Currie Chieftains at Millbrae on Saturday 31 August (kick-off 4:10pm).

And 24 hours later, the second round of the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership sees Heriot’s Rugby Women host Hillhead Jordanhill at Goldenacre on Sunday 1 September, also kicking off at 4:10pm.

Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby Development Gav Scott said he was thrilled to be partnering with BBC ALBA to provide improved exposure to men’s and women’s domestic rugby.

“This really is a groundbreaking deal and it’s something we hope to build on. It’s something we hope to build on and want to deliver a successful season to put us in a strong position to discuss a similar deal in the future, which could include more teams.

“We’re looking forward to seeing clubs embrace the challenge and showcase the best of the game. The top of our domestic game is an aspirational place for the best performing young rugby players everywhere,” he added.

Speaking to Chris Paterson on the Scottish Rugby Podcast, Ayr’s Blair Macpherson and Currie’s Charlie Brett said this added an extra element to the excitement of the new season.

“I think it’s good. It’s great exposure for the league and for the boys. A lot of the boys are looking to kick on and what better place to do it than here?

“We’ve had great games against Currie and Melrose and Heriot’s throughout the years, so I’m just looking forward to getting back to playing against a wider range of teams and being exposed to loads of different players,” Blair said.

“As usual, from the last three or four seasons it’s been highly competitive with Marr, Accies and Hawick – those games will always be a blockbuster in our eyes.

“But at the same time, it’s going to be exciting to challenge the Super Series teams – the likes of Ayr, Watsonians, and Melrose. Teams that some of the boys in our squad have never played against,” Charlie added.

Heriot’s player Eilidh Collins said her side was thrilled with the opportunity and looked forward to their match against Hillhead Jordanhill to open the coverage for the women’s game.

“Support for the women’s game has been growing exponentially over the last few years and being able to watch domestic games on television is a massive step in this journey.
 
“At Heriot’s we want to play an exciting brand of rugby that attracts fans and is enjoyable to watch, so I think having the opportunity for our game to be televised will bring an extra level to that. We always enjoy playing against Hills – they’re a physical team and games between us are usually very competitive, so we’re excited for this game to be a great showcase of women’s rugby in Scotland,” Eilidh said.

Hillhead Jordanhill player Carla McDonald added: “This can only show how far women’s rugby in Scotland has progressed over the past few years. The increased visibility that this coverage will give women’s rugby in Scotland is a significant milestone, not just for the players and teams involved but for the entire sport in Scotland.

“I think it will only add to the excitement of playing against the Heriot’s. We have had a very positive preseason building on from last season and we can’t wait for the league to start. Heriot’s is always an exciting and challenging game that we look forward to,” she said.

BBC ALBA commissioning editor Fiona MacKenzie said: “This partnership marks an exciting milestone for Scottish Rugby, ensuring greater visibility and accessibility for both the men and women’s sport.

“At BBC ALBA, we are committed to celebrating Scotland’s sporting talent, and this collaboration allows us to showcase the skill, passion, and dedication behind the game to a wider audience. We look forward to this exciting season ahead as we continue to support the growth of rugby at all levels.”

You can stay up to date with all things Arnold Clark Premierships through the season by following the new Instagram and X accounts, both with the handle @ScotRugbyPrems.

The below matches have been confirmed in principle but are subject to change. Check the Scottish Rugby club fixtures page for specific dates and times.

Arnold Clark Men’s and Women’s Premiership matches live on BBC ALBA:

Men’s Premiership: Ayr v Currie, Saturday 31 August 2024, 4:10pm KO
Women’s Premiership: Heriot’s v Hillhead Jordanhill, Sunday 1 September 2024,  4:10pm KO
Women’s Premiership: Watsonian v Heriot’s 27 September 2024, 7:35pm KO
Men’s Premiership: Watsonian v Heriot’s, Friday 4 October 2024, 7:35pm KO
Women’s Premiership: Stirling County v Stewartry, Friday 29 November 2024, 7:35pm KO
Women’s Premiership Final: Saturday 14 December 2024, KO TBC
Men’s Premiership: Hawick v Currie, Friday 10 January 2025, 7:35pm KO
Men’s Premiership: Ayr v Marr, Friday 7 February 2025, 7:35pm KO
Men’s Premiership: Musselburgh v Watsonian, Friday 28 February 2025, 7:35pm KO
Men’s Premiership Play-off: Friday 28 March 2025, KO TBC
Men’s Premiership Final: Saturday 5 April 2025, KO TBC