NEWS CORP. HITS THE FIELD AGAIN WITH RUGBY RIGHTS

     Rupert Murdoch and News Corp. have paid $550M for "a 10-year
agreement for the exclusive rights to televise" rugby matches in
South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, according to the
FINANCIAL TIMES.  Murdoch said the deal "gives three of the best
rugby nations in the world a platform for the future, and it
gives News Corporation the opportunity to play in a rapidly
developing international sport."  International matches involving
all three countries, as well as provincial tournaments, will be
carried by Sky Sports and Sky Sports 2 (Holman/Matthews/
Rawsthorn, FINANCIAL TIMES, 6/25).  The President of the South
African Rugby Football Union said the contract will not result in
salaries for its players, "but everyone will benefit."  Other
"rugby officials acknowledged that the contract was likely to
prove a death blow to efforts to retain the game's ameteur
status" (FINANCIAL TIMES, 6/25).