ESPN will screen Guinness Premiership rugby matches for the next three years after stepping in to take the 43 games per season that were due to be shown on Setanta before the Irish broadcaster's British arm collapsed.

ESPN has secured exclusive live rights to 43 matches per season from the Guinness Premiership, beginning next season and running through to the 2012/2013 season, including exclusive live coverage of the Guinness Premiership Final and one of the two semi-final matches.

The agreement, believed to be for almost exactly the same amount as Setanta were paying, sees Premier Rugby continue to bring in some 45 per cent more than under a deal with a solitary broadcaster. It is thought that it will receive almost US$80 million over the three years, with slightly over half of that coming from ESPN.

"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," said Jon Varney, commercial director of Premier Rugby.

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"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," he added.

"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."