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The Ten Network will cover one match of each Super Rugby round in 2016, according to the reported terms of a pending broadcast deal.
It’s been a long time coming, but their may be some good news for rugby fans without pay television in Australia, with Ten the potential broadcaster.
As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, matches can be broadcast simultaneously on Ten, after Fox Sports agreed to on-sell the rights. It will be the first time Super Rugby has had a presence on free-to-air television since 1996.
Fox Sports will still broadcast every game of Super Rugby live, and remain the rights holders.
While Super Rugby ratings took a hit in the 2014 season, Australia are set to see more cash from the broadcast side of the 2016 deal. This has largely been, according to the ARU, due to the burgeoning interest in Super Rugby from overseas. Demand in Europe for the competition is high, and Australia will see at least some of what is given to SANZAR from European broadcasters.
The introduction of Japan into the competition also presents another opportunity for money to be injected into the game via the broadcast deal.
The problem for the ARU lies in the structure of the competition from 2016, which will see less derbies played between Australian-based teams. Traditionally, these have been the games that have pulled the crowds for the Australian Rugby Union, and have provided the boost for the coffers.
It is also reported that no other broadcasters were interested in taking up coverage of Super Rugby. The Herald went as far to say that the Super Rugby game was likely to occupy a Sunday morning timeslot on replay.
The deals for the broadcasting rights for 2016 are still to be finalised. Network Ten were approached, but declined to comment on speculation around a new deal.
What do you think Roarers? Is this what Super Rugby in this country needs after so long in the free-to-air wilderness?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.