MUMBAI: bbTV of Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited has launched international rugby channel Setanta Sports, bringing its action-packed lineup of live and exclusive rugby to its customers in Hong Kong.

Setanta is available on bbTV channel 323 as a premium service to residential, hotel and commercial subscribers.

Some of the rugby broadcasts on the channel include the RBS Six Nations, Super Rugby, The Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri Nations), The Currie Cup, ITM Cup, Aviva Premiership, Anglo-Welsh Cup and Pro-12 (previously Magners League), as well as live Rugby League from the NRL and State Of Origin.

With over 500 exclusive rugby matches from both the Northern & Southern Hemispheres, Setanta offers an action packed lin-up of rugby throughout the year.

HKBN MD business development To Wai Bing said, "We are very proud to introduce Setanta Sports to our bbTV subscribers. Rugby is becoming a popular sport in Hong Kong and I believe our subscribers will be able to enjoy the excitement bring by different rugby matches through watching Setanta Sports at home anytime."

Setanta Sports International MD Roger Hall said: "We are really pleased to be part of the premium offering of television channels on bbTV at an exciting time in the development of their business."

This is the 12th distribution agreement for Setanta in Asia, following agreements with Many of Asia‘s leading subscription television operators including Now TV (Hong Kong), StarHub & Singtel mio TV (Singapore), Astro (Malaysia & Brunei), True Visions (Thailand), First Media (Indonesia) and Dialog TV (Sri Lanka), among others.

Setanta Sports claims to reach over 5 million households across Asia.