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England vs Wallabies alert: No broadcast on free-to-air

29th November, 2014
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If Israel Folau gets offered big money from Toulon the ARU will be powerless to stop him. (Image. Tim Anger)
29th November, 2014
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Those with a keen eye will have noticed a worrying omission from the TV guide – there is no mention of the Wallabies versus England match this weekend on free-to-air via usual broadcaster Network Ten.

While the Barbarians versus Wallabies was also not broadcast on free-to-air, this is a Test match, and arguably the biggest game for the Australians on their end of year tour.

The Australian Rugby Union website states only the following: “Network Ten will be broadcasting all games except for the Barbarians and English matches” – and that’s all.

Fox Sports will be the sole broadcaster showing the game live, from 1:30am on Sunday morning.

The Roar has contacted the ARU for comment, and will be live blogging the match from 1am.

Update: A spokesperson for the ARU has provided an update – stating that the decision is made by Network Ten, rather than the peak body.

All Test matches on home soil are broadcast live on free to air television (currently through Network Ten).

“We aim to ensure our fans have easy access to all Wallaby matches, including those played overseas. However, on this occasion Network Ten has been unable to secure the broadcast rights for the Australia v England at Twickenham.

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“We would love to see all Wallaby matches broadcast live on free to air and subscription television, and will continue to push for the broadest possible coverage of Rugby on Australian TV.”

Network Ten, contacted late on Saturday, explained they did not have the rights for the match:

“Network Ten is not broadcasting the final game of the Wallabies Spring Tour – Australia v England. Unfortunately, we do not have the rights to broadcast this match.

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