TG4 are proud to be the host TV broadcaster in Ireland for this important rugby competition involving the four Irish provinces and the top clubs from Wales and Scotland. Coverage of the Celtic League fits very comfortably with the channel’s profile, given TG4’s many other links with the Celtic nations and regions.The inaugural 2001 season of this exciting new development was a huge success with all four Irish provinces doing well.

Welcoming the announcement, TG4 Leascheannasaí, Pádhraic Ó Ciardha, said the channel had pioneered television coverage of the Celtic League. "We were delighted with the audience reaction to our coverage of the first season of the Celtic League, our major international sports competition," he said "It proved to be a natural fit for our sports schedule, given the close contacts we have with our Celtic cousins in other areas of programming. We are very proud to have secured these rights and look forward to bringing top class club rugby to our audience again in 2002."

Once again TG4's live coverage will be provided by Nemeton, the independent production company from Waterford. The programme will be presented by Garry Mac Donncha with commentary and analysis by Eoghan Ó Neachtain and Gearóid Mac Donncha.

Celtic League Matches Live on TG4 2002/03

Round 1 - Friday 30th August 7:25pm

Leinster v Pontypridd

Round 2 - Friday 6th September 7:25pm

Munster v Ebbw Vale

Round 3 - Friday 13th September 7:25pm

Leinster v Connacht

Round 4 - Friday 20th September 7:25pm

Munster v Swansea

Round 5 - Friday 27th September 7:25pm

Munster v Ulster

Round 6 - Friday 4th October 7:25pm

Leinster v Newport

Round 7 - Friday 25th October 7:25pm

TBC

(Depending on positions in league table)

Quarter-finals, weekend of 30th November 2002. Semi-finals, weekend of 4th January 2003. Celtic League Final, 1st February 2003.