NIK SIMON’S GAIN LINE: BT Sport close in on a new deal to broadcast the Champions Cup

BT Sport are set to sign a new contract to broadcast the Champions Cup.

An eight-year deal has been proposed, with the current contract expiring at the end of the season.

Channel 4 are keen to continue their involvement with one match per round likely to be shown on free-to-air. 

BT Sport are set to sign a new deal to have the rights to the European Champions Cup

After the launch of the United Rugby Championship, South African teams will also be involved with their domestic broadcaster Super Sport set to add to the multi-million pound package.

Leicester eye England U20 star Cokanasiga

Leicester Tigers have made a move to sign England Under 20 Phil Cokanasiga. Steve Borthwick wants to poach the centre from London Irish to provide back up to Dan Kelly. Flanker Olly Cracknell is also on the verge of moving from London Irish to Leicester.

Cunningham set to leave Wales women

Wales women’s progression since they handed 12 players professional contracts at the start of the year is set to be hit by the departure of head coach Ioan Cunningham after this year’s World Cup. 

He will replace Byron Hayward at Wales Under 20s. Former amateur boxer Hayward is returning to boxing as a coach.

Quirke set to sign new Sale deal

Raffi Quirke is set to sign a new long-term Sale deal as the Sharks begin to plan for life without Faf de Klerk. 

Instead of replacing De Klerk, who is moving to Japan, Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson will make the 20-year-old his No1 choice at scrum-half.

Raffi Quirke is expected to put pen-to-paper on a new deal with Sale Sharks