The number of Guinness Premiership matches broadcast live on television is set to increase significantly. Premier Rugby is keen for 69 live games to be shown either by Sky or another broadcaster yet to be confirmed.

Despite falling attendances at certain clubs, overall Premiership crowds are up 3% over the opening five rounds of this season, excluding Saracens' early-season game at Wembley.

Mark McCafferty, PRL's chief executive, said a reduced average of 2.8 tries a game (compared with 3.8 a game over the same period last season) was not deterring fans. "We're providing good value for money and that's being reflected in the number of supporters coming through the gates," he said.

Meanwhile, Harlequins have signed the Saracens hooker Matt Cairns. The 30-year-old was capped by England in South Africa in 2007.