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The Australian Rugby Union today announced that their share in the new SANZAR TV rights deal is worth $285 million, a substantial increase of nearly 150% on the last five-year deal.
The deal extends from 2016-2020 and the ARU says the extra money will be used to re-energise the game’s grassoots and to invest in the future.
Fox Sports will continue as the exclusive broadcaster of the new Super Rugby competition, which sees teams from Argentina and Japan, as well as another South African team, join the list of franchises. They will also be the live broadcaster of all Australian, New Zealand and South African Test matches.
No information was contained in the release about digital rights, but given its exclusive status, it appears Fox Sports will have them for the duration of the deal.
Network Ten remains the free-to-air broadcaster of Wallabies matches, including all games played on Australian soil and their Rugby Championship game.
Ten has also agreed to show a full replay of the “Super Rugby match of the round” on Sunday morning. Every Super Rugby final game involving an Australian franchise will also be replayed in full.
Fox Sports has agreed to sign on as the exclusive broadcaster of the National Rugby Championship for the next five years, as well as broadcaster of the Currie Cup and New Zealand’s NPC.
An agreement is in place for Fox Sports to be a key partner of the NRC.
ARU CEO Bill Pulver was thrilled with the result of the deal.
“These new media rights arrangements are a wonderful result for our game and we thank Fox Sports for its incredible support of Rugby over the past two decades.
“Fox Sports provide an absolutely world class coverage of Rugby and we are privileged to announce that we will continue our partnership for a further five years.
“We are also delighted that Network Ten will continue to broadcast Qantas Wallabies Test matches and will for the first time feature a replay of the Australian Super Rugby match of the round each Sunday morning, along with a Super Rugby highlights show each Monday night. This added coverage for Super Rugby on free-to-air television will allow more fans to experience the best provincial competition in the world.”
Pulver said the revenue from the new media rights will be reinvested in the game.
“With these new media rights arrangements in place the ARU will have surplus funds to re-invest in the game from grassroots through to the Wallabies and to address strategic priorities to grow the game including community Rugby, women’s Rugby and our development pathways.
“Early in 2016 we will announce a new five-year whole of game strategy for Australian Rugby that aligns with our media rights cycle and sets the direction and vision for the game of Rugby in Australia. Importantly, the Australian Rugby Strategic Plan has been built collaboratively by the Rugby community and underpins our plans for future investment in the game.
“We have also taken steps to improve the governance in our game through the execution of a National Charter, which has been supported by the formation of the Australian Rugby Strategy Group, consisting of CEOs from across Australian Rugby, which will oversee the delivery of the Strategic Plan.
“We will also provide greater assistance to our Super Rugby clubs and member unions and will establish a future fund for the game which will ensure its long-term health and prosperity.”
Fox Sports CEO, Patrick Delany said: “It’s an exciting time for Rugby in Australia. The Wallabies Rugby World Cup fairy-tale run has reignited Australia’s passion for the sport and Fox Sports will be the place to take Rugby forward.
“As the foundation partner of Super Rugby, we have been there from the beginning and our commitment and investment has been instrumental in securing the future of the sport and helping Australia return to a powerhouse force again.
“With an expanded Super Rugby competition, a highly-anticipated Test series against England at home, plus a growing domestic competition in the NRC, the future is bright for the sport and we are excited to continue as the home of Rugby in Australia.”
Network Ten CEO, Paul Anderson said his company were committed to rugby as a product. =
“The new agreement strengthens and extends our commitment to Rugby and will bring more great matches to fans across the country.
“Rugby is a vital part of our premium sport content on Network Ten. We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with the Australian Rugby Union and Fox Sports to ensure viewers get the best possible coverage across all television.
“The Wallabies are on fire at the moment and we’re very excited about being part of their journey and success over the next five years.”
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.