engage Superleague March 9th 2006

Website to feature live video service

engagesuperleague.co.uk - the official website of the engage Super League competition - is to launch an exciting new ‘on-demand’ video service for supporters.

The service will mean that people anywhere in the world will be able to view extensive video highlights of all six matches in any Round of engage Super League, 24 hours after the games have finished.

The engage Super League Play-Offs and Grand Final will also be included in this package.
These highlights will also be available in an archive so that supporters can view matches from previous Rounds when they wish to, at any point in the season.

Significantly, internet users outside the UK, France, the Middle East and Australasia will - via this service - also be able to view each week’s televised matches live via engagesuperleague.co.uk.

In addition to engage Super League matches, the service will also offer highlights of the 2006 Tri-Nations Tournament and future World Cup Challenge events.

The internet service, which will capitalise on the spread of broadband connections in homes, will be both pay-per-view and subscription based.

Full details will be released later this season and the service itself is scheduled to begin operating in May.

Commenting on the news, the RFL’s Director of Marketing, Simon Malcolm said: “This exciting new internet on-demand video service will enable us to offer consumers both in the UK and in key markets throughout the world a new and exciting way to view engage Super League and major matches.

“This service will be a first for British Rugby League and will also assist us in reaching potential new supporters. We see the web as an increasingly important channel through which to reach our customers directly.”

The video service has been made possible following a three-year agreement with Servecast - a leading supplier of new media Sportscasting,

Servecast work with sports broadcasters such as BSkyB, At The Races and Setanta Sports and other Servecast customers include Liverpool FC, Manchester United FC, Chelsea FC, Arsenal FC, Rangers FC and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

About Servecast
Founded in 1998, Servecast is the leading specialist supplier of New Media Sportscasting delivering advanced streaming media solutions for the Sports Industry. Servecast's Media Studio™ Platform enables Sporting Organisations and Rights Holders to exploit their media assets to new broadband and mobile connected audiences.

Through the delivery of high quality audio visual sports content over broadband and mobile applications, Servecast's Media Studio platform greatly enhances the global fan sporting experience and enables the delivery of significant new revenue streams to the rights holder. Through our focus on sports, Servecast has developed a deep partnership network with major broadcasters, clubs and sporting bodies, the online betting industry, technology providers and content syndication partners. We leverage these partnerships to ensure optimal business success for our customers.