Aviva Premiership Rugby has thrived since its switch to BT Sport, with viewing figures almost double what they were a year ago when being shown on Sky Sports and ESPN.
In the first five rounds of the season, BT has shown 16 games and had its largest audience for the clash between the Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints, which attracted a peak audience of 228,000 and an average of 179,000, according to BARB (Broadcasters' Audience Research Board).
"We are delighted with these viewing figures for Aviva Premiership Rugby as they show the huge appeal and potential of the competition," said Dominic Hayes, commercial director of Premiership Rugby.
"TV viewing figures are a great barometer of the health of a competition like Aviva Premiership Rugby. We are delighted to see all of the hard work delivering outstanding success."
2011 champions Saracens lead the way after five straight wins to start the season.
