The BBC has agreed a new five-year deal with the Celtic unions (IRFU, SRU and WRU), to show their autumn internationals on network television from 2005 to 2009 inclusive.

The new package also includes all home rugby internationals for Wales, Scotland and Ireland; all matches against regional sides during the autumn international period; live Celtic League play-off rights for BBC Scotland and highlights rights for BBC Northern Ireland (BBC Wales already have a separate contract for the Celtic League games), with the final also to be shown on network television in their Grandstand programme.

The Celtic League play-offs refer to the top eight teams in the Celtic League, who, at the end of the season, compete in a knockout competition, the Celtic Cup.

The agreement, which consolidates the BBC's commitment to the sport, was welcomed by IRFU chief executive Philip Brown yesterday.

"The new five-year autumn international deal represents a strong statement by the BBC on behalf of rugby in the Celtic unions," he said

"Coming in the wake of the new Celtic League contract with Setanta Sport, the BBC initiative provides further necessary revenues for our unions, while also providing a wider landscape for the viewing of the matches.

"Domestically, discussions with RTÉ regarding the renewal of their Republic of Ireland territory rights for the autumn games are in place."

As the Celtic League progresses through another season without a marquee sponsor, the news should encourage more activity in that department and consolidates the BBC's coverage in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Setanta, who own the live rights to the Celtic League in Scotland and Ireland, have a sound working relationship with the BBC.

"Our relationship with BBC already exists," said Setanta's Niall Cogley. "This new agreement now also endorses the Celtic League product in the mindset of the public," he added.