Major sponsor close for NRC THE ARU is trying to finalise negotiations to secure a major sponsor for the proposed National Rugby Championship amid plans to televise games live on Thursday nights. It is understood the ARU is in discussions with a telecommunications company about sponsoring the NRC and will make an announcement as soon as the deal is concluded. The ARU is expected to secure Fox Sports as a broadcast partner for the NRC on a deal believed to be worth $1 million. The coverage of games would lead into the pay-TV network's magazine-style program, Rugby IQ, but the ARU needs strong sponsorship support to cover the estimated $3m cost of the new competition. One potential problem is that Fox Sports has made a commitment for only one year with an option for another year, while prospective sponsors are seeking three to five-year deals.