Scotland’s autumn tests to be broadcast live on BT Sport & BBC

Gregor Townsend’s first home series as Scotland Head Coach features two sell-out matches at BT Murrayfield and an expected record crowd for a Tier 2 opponent at the country’s largest stadium.

It will be the first time two national broadcasters will show Scotland’s national rugby team matches in live simulcast.

Scotland play the 2015 World Champion All Blacks in the middle weekend of the November series, with Samoa opening the sequence and Australia closing the three-match window.

The All Blacks last played Scotland at BT Murrayfield in the 2014 Autumn Test series when they edged out their hosts 24-16 and will arrive just four months after hosting of the British & Irish Lions and winning the 2017 Rugby Championship.

Samoa last played on Scottish soil in 2010 at Pittodrie, Aberdeen, losing 19-16, however their most recent game against Scotland was the thrilling Rugby World Cup 2015 group match at St James’ Park, which Scotland won 36-33.

The Wallabies play in Scotland for the second successive November, following their narrow 23-22 triumph last year. Scotland won their last encounter in Sydney 24-19 during the 2017 Summer Tour.

Dominic McKay, Scottish Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer said: “The 2017 Autumn Series is shaping up to be one of the biggest ever, with not only sell-out crowds but also simulcast coverage from two of the country’s leading sports broadcasters.

“This will give Scotland fans across the UK an opportunity to see these three mouth-watering matches on the channel of their choice. Both BT Sport and the BBC have excellent rugby credentials and we look forward to working with them throughout the Autumn Series.”

Simon Green, Head of BT Sport said: “BT is committed to supporting rugby at all levels of the game throughout Scotland and we are delighted to be showing Scotland’s finest live on BT Sport.”

Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport said: “We are very delighted to continue our partnership with Scottish Rugby to bring their autumn test matches to the widest possible audience across the UK. The Autumn Internationals are such an exciting event in the Rugby calendar pitting the home nations against the best teams from the southern hemisphere.”

The worldwide demand to watch Scotland play has shown considerable growth in recent years and Scots across the globe will be able to watch the Autumn Test series as a result of Pitch LLP’s worldwide broadcast distribution agreement with Scottish Rugby.

2017 Autumn Tests – live on BT Sport & BBC

• Saturday 11 November: Scotland v Samoa, BT Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 2.30pm)
• Saturday 18 November: Scotland v New Zealand, BT Murrayfield (kick-off 5.15pm)
• Saturday 25 November: Scotland v Australia, BT Murrayfield (kick-off 2.30pm)