SA Rugby & CANAL+ Extend SuperSport Broadcast Partnership | Springboks Rugby News
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – SA Rugby and the CANAL+ Group have reaffirmed their commitment to a continued partnership with SuperSport, ensuring that rugby fans across Africa will continue to have access to top-tier local and international competitions. The announcement follows a series of productive meetings held this week in Johannesburg, signaling a strong future for the sport’s broadcast landscape on the continent.
Executives from SA Rugby and CANAL+ convened at the MultiChoice offices in Randburg to discuss strategic alignment and explore opportunities to enhance the viewing experience for rugby enthusiasts. The discussions centered on leveraging the existing broadcast partnership to deliver more immersive content, compelling storytelling, and broader access to the game, extending beyond live match coverage.
The timing of this renewed commitment is particularly significant as SA Rugby prepares to host a series of high-profile rugby events starting in , encompassing matches featuring the Springboks – both men’s and women’s teams – as well as junior and sevens competitions. The partnership with SuperSport, now operating under the CANAL+ Group umbrella, is crucial to maximizing the reach and impact of these events, connecting millions of fans with the action.
“SuperSport has been at our side for decades, bringing rugby fans all the action, including Rugby World Cups, and we’re excited to continue this journey with them,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. “We had exceptionally fruitful discussions with CANAL+ leadership in Johannesburg and, along with them, we are very excited about the road ahead.” This statement underscores the long-standing and valued relationship between the two organizations, built on a shared passion for rugby and a commitment to growing the sport’s fanbase.
The CANAL+ Group’s acquisition of SuperSport has not diminished its dedication to rugby in Africa. Rendani Ramovha, CANAL+ Director for Sports Content in English and Portuguese-speaking Africa, emphasized the importance of the partnership to the group’s overall sports strategy. “As part of CANAL+ Africa and the CANAL+ Group, we are proud to be able to enhance our existing partnership with SA Rugby,” Ramovha stated. “Rugby plays an important role in the sports package we deliver to our CANAL+ Africa SA Pay-TV audience and the partnership with SA Rugby is crucial to delivering the very best in local and international rugby.”
CANAL+ is focused on expanding the ways in which rugby is delivered to audiences, moving beyond traditional linear television broadcasts. The company plans to leverage streaming platforms, digital channels, and social media to reach a wider demographic and provide fans with a more comprehensive and engaging experience. “We are excited to engage with the rugby governing body to uncover ways to deliver the sport to audiences across many different touchpoints: linear television, streaming, digital and social media,” Ramovha explained.
The collaborative discussions were specifically geared towards optimizing the viewer experience. Both SA Rugby and CANAL+ recognize the importance of providing fans with not only live coverage of matches but also insightful analysis, behind-the-scenes content, and compelling narratives that deepen their connection to the sport. “The robust and engaging discussions were aimed at ensuring that the viewer gets the ultimate rugby viewing experience, courtesy of this SuperSport partnership,” Ramovha added.
Looking ahead, CANAL+ and SA Rugby are particularly focused on building excitement leading up to the Springboks’ title defense at the next Rugby World Cup in Australia. The partnership aims to capitalize on the momentum generated by the Springboks’ recent successes and further elevate the profile of rugby in South Africa and across the continent. “We cannot wait for the viewers and DStv subscribers to experience all that we have in store this year, leading up to the Springboks’ title defence in Australia next year,” Ramovha concluded.
This renewed partnership signifies a strategic alignment between a governing body committed to growing the game and a broadcaster dedicated to delivering world-class sports content. For rugby fans in Africa, it promises a future filled with thrilling matches, immersive experiences, and a deeper connection to the sport they love. The continued collaboration between SA Rugby and CANAL+ through SuperSport is poised to solidify rugby’s position as a premier sporting spectacle on the African continent.