ESPN signs Nick Mullins for rugby comment

ESPN has signed long-time BBC contributor Nick Mullins as chief match commentator for its forthcoming Guinness Premiership rugby coverage.

Over his 25-year association with the BBC, sports journalist Mullins has covered the last four Rugby World Cups, along with the RBS Six Nations, Guinness Premiership and the Heineken Cup.

He will now lead ESPN's new Premiership Rugby presentation team, which includes former England international Austin Healey as lead analyst.

Last December, ESPN agreed a multi-year deal with Premier Rugby for live rights to 43 games per season from the Guinness Premiership, including exclusive coverage from the final and one of the semi-finals.

"I am delighted to be joining ESPN as it prepares to become lead broadcaster for the Premiership Rugby," said Mullins.

"ESPN has a fantastic track record in broadcasting rugby around the world and it has exciting plans to bring that experience to bear in delivering great coverage to UK rugby fans."

ESPN EMEA vice president of TV channels Jeroen Oerlemans added: "ESPN is delighted that Nick is a central part of our Premiership Rugby coverage team.

"Nick brings a fantastic track record, having covered the sport for many years at all levels. He will be a great asset as we provide rugby fans with great, authentic coverage of the Premiership Rugby."

ESPN intends to offer on-site coverage from all of its 43 Guinness Premiership games via a custom-built set for pre- and post-match discussion and analysis. The broadcaster will unveil further elements of the coverage in the coming months.