SuperSport only just secure broadcast rights for Springboks-All Blacks
· The South African
The so-called Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour will kick off on Friday night when the Stormers host the All Blacks, while later this month the Springboks and New Zealand will go into battle in the first of four Tests in the series.
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Although it was always presumed and expected that SuperSport would broadcast the matches, it was quite strange to see that CANAL+ – the French media giant that has officially taken full ownership of South Africa’s MultiChoice Group – only confirmed a broadcast rights agreement on Friday.
The agreement will see SuperSport, Africa’s leading sports broadcaster, showcase all four Test matches between the Springboks and All Blacks, as well as the four matches against the United Rugby Championship teams.
SABC will not be able to broadcast any of the games.
SuperSport secures Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry TV rights for Springboks and All Blacks
A statement has highlighted that “SuperSport’s coverage will go further than ever before, capturing all the behind-the-scenes action from both camps during this intriguing tour, with expert analysts and former players breaking down all the key moments and talking points”.
“The South African, New Zealand and global rugby audience is thirsting for this Tour, and we’re delighted to confirm that SuperSport will continue to bring rugby’s biggest matches into homes in Africa,” said Rian Oberholzer, SARU CEO.
“This is a landmark event in the rugby calendar and having a landmark broadcaster in SuperSport to once again bring the passion and drama of the Tour to screens on the continent will be music to the ears of local fans.”
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixtures
- Friday, 7 August: Stormers vs New Zealand, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – 19:00
- Tuesday, 11 August: Sharks vs New Zealand, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – 19:00
- Saturday, 15 August: Bulls vs New Zealand, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – 19:00
- Saturday, 22 August: First Test, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 17:10
- Tuesday, 25 August: Lions vs New Zealand, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 19:00
- Saturday, 29 August: Second Test, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – 17:10
- Saturday, 5 September: Third Test, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg – 17:10
- Saturday, 12 September: Fourth Test, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, United States – 23:00 (SA time)