Just a week after ESPN bought Setanta's FA Cup rights, the broadcaster picks up Setanta's rugby union Guinness Premiership matches.

The broadcaster will broadcast 43 matches per season, including one semi-final and exclusive coverage of the Guinness Premiership final. Sky Sports will show 26 games each season plus one semi-final.

It is believed that ESPN paid a similar amount to what Setanta had paid for the three year contract which begins next autumn whereas the broadcaster had paid less than half for the FA Cup matches that Setanta used to show.

Joeoen Oerlemans, vice-president of ESPN TV channels Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: "The Guinness Premiership is among the very best UK sports competitions, with a passionate fan base and top quality competition. We're thrilled to add it to our programming schedule and know that it will deliver great value for fans, advertisers and our partners."

Jon Varney, the commercial director of Premier Rugby, said: "This deal with ESPN secures a partnership with one of the world's leading broadcasters, who become yet another blue chip supporter of club rugby in England. Starting next season, our new television deals mean we have doubled the number of live televised Premiership matches, which will further raise the profile of the sport in the UK and overseas and will allow our clubs and sponsors to derive even greater exposure and value. It also means supporters have more chance to see their team on live television.  ESPN are renowned for their innovation and we are all genuinely excited about the opportunity of working with them to drive value in both our businesses."

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