Scottish clubs set for BBC deal

Boroughmuir are the reigning Premier Division One champions

Scottish club rugby is to make a welcome return to TV screens.

BBC ALBA, the newly launched Gaelic digital media service, is close to agreeing an extensive broadcast package with Scottish Rugby.

And Saturday's match between reigning Premier Division One champions Boroughmuir and Heriot's will be covered live from Meggetland.

Alasdair Morrison, chairman of MG ALBA, said: "This is a winner for all rugby fans in Scotland."

The screening of live club rugby will complement BBC ALBA's 'as live' coverage of a Scottish Premier League football match on a Saturday evening.

Partick Thistle's Challenge Cup semi-final against Airdrie United is also being broadcast live.

Scottish Rugby's chief executive Gordon McKie added: "We're delighted at the real enthusiasm from BBC ALBA to work with us to increase the exposure of our game.

"Coverage begins with a live transmission of the match between Edinburgh rivals Boroughmuir and Heriot's and I very much hope we will be able to announce further details shortly of our relationship with BBC ALBA and the benefit it will generate for rugby at a number of levels."