In a groundbreaking move for domestic rugby, SA Rugby together with the Canal+ Group, the overseer of MultiChoice Group, have inked a fresh multi-year deal for domestic broadcast rights. This deal ensures that SuperSport, the titan of African sports broadcasting, remains the exclusive broadcaster for all of Saru's domestic competitions along with Springbok women’s and junior age-group matches across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This announcement marks a significant first between a major local sports body and Canal+ since their union with the MultiChoice Group back in September of the previous year. It highlights Canal+’s robust commitment to nurturing local sports. SuperSport, celebrating over three decades as SA Rugby’s broadcast ally, continues to fortify its position in the sports broadcasting arena.
“We are very happy to have concluded our first agreement with the MultiChoice Group and Canal+ Group after a thorough and extensive series of engagements,”
expressed Saru president Mark Alexander. He added, “They have demonstrated a shared understanding of the importance of rugby to the South African public and we trust this is the first of many such agreements.”
David Mignot, CEO of Canal+ Africa, shared his enthusiasm about prolonging the domestic rights agreement, ensuring exclusive access to domestic rugby matches on SuperSport. The arrangement sees SuperSport channels delivered by Canal+ Africa to MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd, which manages the DStv services to its subscribers.
Mignot emphasized the strategic doubling down on investments in local content, particularly sports, which resonate deeply with Africans. He recalled the national jubilation accompanying each Springboks' Rugby World Cup victory, underscoring rugby’s entrenched role in South Africa’s national identity.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer highlighted the critical nature of broadcasting rights for the vitality and sustainability of sports in South Africa. “SuperSport has been a long-standing and trusted partner to South African rugby, and we are delighted to continue our partnership,” Oberholzer said. He reflected on the evolving landscape of rugby and broadcasting since their initial agreement in the 1990s, applauding the enduring partnership forged on mutual interests.
With this renewed partnership, rugby fans in Sub-Saharan Africa can look forward to continued, exclusive rugby action, bringing the game closer to its fervent fan base and ensuring the sport’s growth and sustainability in the region.
2,100 posts
In a groundbreaking move for domestic rugby, SA Rugby together with the Canal+ Group, the overseer of MultiChoice Group, have inked a fresh multi-year deal for domestic broadcast rights. This deal ensures that SuperSport, the titan of African sports broadcasting, remains the exclusive broadcaster for all of Saru's domestic competitions along with Springbok women’s and junior age-group matches across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This announcement marks a significant first between a major local sports body and Canal+ since their union with the MultiChoice Group back in September of the previous year. It highlights Canal+’s robust commitment to nurturing local sports. SuperSport, celebrating over three decades as SA Rugby’s broadcast ally, continues to fortify its position in the sports broadcasting arena.
“We are very happy to have concluded our first agreement with the MultiChoice Group and Canal+ Group after a thorough and extensive series of engagements,”
expressed Saru president Mark Alexander. He added, “They have demonstrated a shared understanding of the importance of rugby to the South African public and we trust this is the first of many such agreements.”David Mignot, CEO of Canal+ Africa, shared his enthusiasm about prolonging the domestic rights agreement, ensuring exclusive access to domestic rugby matches on SuperSport. The arrangement sees SuperSport channels delivered by Canal+ Africa to MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd, which manages the DStv services to its subscribers.
Mignot emphasized the strategic doubling down on investments in local content, particularly sports, which resonate deeply with Africans. He recalled the national jubilation accompanying each Springboks' Rugby World Cup victory, underscoring rugby’s entrenched role in South Africa’s national identity.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer highlighted the critical nature of broadcasting rights for the vitality and sustainability of sports in South Africa. “SuperSport has been a long-standing and trusted partner to South African rugby, and we are delighted to continue our partnership,” Oberholzer said. He reflected on the evolving landscape of rugby and broadcasting since their initial agreement in the 1990s, applauding the enduring partnership forged on mutual interests.
With this renewed partnership, rugby fans in Sub-Saharan Africa can look forward to continued, exclusive rugby action, bringing the game closer to its fervent fan base and ensuring the sport’s growth and sustainability in the region.