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´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide has acquired the international distribution rights for two Barbarians rugby union matches in 2010.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide will be selling the rights to international broadcasters at this year's Sport Acord market in Dubai (April 25-27).

The Barbarians are an invitational ruby union team who play against international opposition. The first game available to foreign broadcasters will take place at Thomond Park on June 4th and sees the Barbarians come up against Ireland for the first time in 10 years. The second match pits the "BaaBaas" against South Africa, the current holders of the World Cup, when they play at Twickenham on the 4th December.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide will be offering broadcasters the chance to buy two upcoming games against Ireland and South Africa in June and December respectively.

Richard Hornsby Smith, Sales Manager Sport at ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide said: "´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide has a strong catalogue of landmark sporting events which include the recent Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race and the Grand National. The addition of these two Barbarians matches further diversifies our catalogue and gives broadcasters the chance to pick up some unique and exciting rugby matches.

"I am delighted that Danny O'Toole, TV Manager Sports Sales will be attending this year's Sport Accord Convention in Dubai where he will be looking to acquire international distribution rights to other sporting events and will be talking to rights-holders and sports federations during the market."

Steven Berrick from International Sports Investments, who hold the commercial TV rights for the Barbarian International matches said, "We are delighted ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide will be distributing the international television rights for the forthcoming Barbarian fixtures against Ireland on the 4th June, Thomond Park and South Africa on the 4th December, Twickenham."

He continued, "The Barbarians have enjoyed a long standing relationship with the ´óÏó´«Ã½ and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide, televising some of the greatest Barbarian games including the 1973 All Blacks match with that Try by Gareth Edwards to their most recent victory against them at Twickenham in December 2009, with a hatrick of tries from Bryan Habana. We look forward to continuing the relationship and exposing the Barbarian brand and values across the globe."

´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide has distribution rights to top sporting events throughout the year. Events such as the London Marathon, Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships & the WINMAU World Masters Darts Championships as well as horse racing from Royal Ascot, The Oaks and The Derby are all part of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide's extensive catalogue.

Cristina Dunn