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Foxtel agrees to new deal with Rugby Australia

5-team competition from July 3rd. NZ Super Rugby begins on Saturday.

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Foxtel and Rugby Australia have agreed to new terms for a revised broadcast deal for this year.

Sydney Morning Herald reports RA has confirmed a five-team competition will be played over 10 weeks from July 3 – plus another two for a preliminary final and grand final – which will feature the NSW Waratahs, Melbourne Rebels, ACT Brumbies, Queensland Reds and Western Force. A full draw is set to be announced on Thursday.

All matches will be played at closed venues for the time being, with RA to review its stance on crowds at a later date in line with government restrictions.

“Rugby-starved fans will be able to watch their favourite teams in viewer-friendly timeslots each week,” FOX Sports boss Peter Campbell said. “Additionally, Foxtel has also reached an agreement to air the New Zealand Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, which starts this weekend, so rugby fans can settle in to watch more of the sport they love.”

New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aotearoa begins this Saturday when the Crusaders meet the Highlanders.

A five-team domestic competition will be played across 10 weeks and feature All Blacks superstars Beauden Barrett (Blues), Aaron Smith (Highlanders), TJ Perenara (Hurricanes), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders) and Damian McKenzie (Chiefs).

Games will be played on Saturdays and Sundays each week with no restrictions on crowd numbers at match venues, plus new rules introduced to increase entertainment for fans.

Rule Innovations

Extra time introduced for drawn matches
Red carded players will be allowed to be replaced after 20 minutes
New breakdown rules enforced by referees to speed up play

Sat, June 13
Highlanders vs Chiefs
4.30pm

Sun, June 14
Blues vs Hurricanes
1.00pm
Bye: Crusaders

*All times listed in AEST

5 Responses

    1. Apart from Wallabies tests played in Australia and maybe tour games overseas FTA will be doubtful for Super Rugby. Foxtel, if it wraps up a future two year deal, will be the winner as usual.
      RA did have aspirations to diversify its broadcast TV exposure, rugby fans will need to read between the lines of RA’s current financial situation how that turned out.

  2. I see no price mentioned that they had to paid for it.The only difference is R.Castle is now not there? Your article says from July 3 yet near the bottom you have June dates?

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