The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has officially renewed its multi-year domestic broadcast rights agreement with the CANAL+ Group and SuperSport, securing continued coverage of local rugby competitions across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Under the renewed agreement, SuperSport will remain the exclusive official broadcaster of all SARU domestic competitions, as well as Springbok women’s and junior age-group matches in the region.
The announcement marks the first major agreement between a local sports federation and the CANAL+ Group since the company joined forces with MultiChoice Group in September last year. The renewed partnership also reinforces CANAL+’s long-term investment in South African sport.
SuperSport and SA Rugby have enjoyed a partnership spanning more than three decades.
SARU President Mark Alexander welcomed the renewal, saying the agreement followed extensive engagements between the parties.
“We are very happy to have concluded our first agreement with the MultiChoice Group and CANAL+ Group after a thorough and extensive series of engagements. They have demonstrated a shared understanding of the importance of rugby to the South African public,” said Alexander.
CANAL+ Africa CEO David Mignot said the broadcaster remains committed to investing in sports content that resonates with African audiences.
“As promised, we are doubling down on our investment in local content, including the sports content that matters most to people on the continent,” said Mignot.
He added that rugby has become deeply embedded in South Africa’s national identity, particularly following the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup triumphs.
SARU CEO Rian Oberholzer described the renewal as vital for the sustainability of rugby in South Africa.
“Broadcasting rights are fundamental to the health and sustainability of sport in South Africa and rugby is no different. SuperSport has been a long-standing and trusted partner to South African rugby, and we are delighted to continue our partnership,” he said.
CANAL+ Director for Sports Content in English and Portuguese-speaking Africa, Rendani Ramovha, said the renewed agreement was a win for DStv subscribers and rugby fans across the continent.
“The renewal of the domestic broadcast agreement is not just the strengthening of our long-standing partnership with SA Rugby but a victory for DStv viewers and subscribers, who have come to trust us to bring the best sports content to them,” said Ramovha.