PRO14 Rugby can confirm that SuperSport have joined the GUINNESS PRO14 as broadcast partners in South Africa and will kick off their Championship coverage by screening the Toyota Cheetahs’ visit to Kingspan Stadium to take on Ulster live on SuperSport 1.
This follows SuperSport’s acquisition of the broadcast rights this week after the Championship was expanded to include the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings from South Africa. Friday’s game in Belfast kicks off at 7.35pm local time (8.35pm in South Africa) and represents an historic moment for the tournament as the Cheetahs become the first South African team to compete in the GUINNESS PRO14.
The Southern Kings will then make their debut against PRO14 champions, the Scarlets, in Llanelli on Saturday at 5.30pm local time (6.30pm in South Africa), a fixture which will also be broadcast live on SuperSport 1 and on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
SuperSport will produce select SA-based fixtures and take the overseas feed on other PRO14 matches that will be broadcast.
Martin Anayi, CEO of PRO14 Rugby, said: “We’re delighted to have SuperSport join our stable of broadcasters in the GUINNESS PRO14. SuperSport are recognised as one of the world’s premier sports broadcasters and it is fantastic to have them involved in telling the story of our Championship.
“We’ve already seen how the addition of the Toyota Cheetahs and the Southern Kings has energised players, coaches and fans in the north and the south and we can’t wait to see that enthusiasm out on the pitch. Rugby fans have always wanted to see true north v south battles at club level and now they will get that.”
Gideon Khobane, CEO of SuperSport, commented: “This is an exciting property that offers an entirely new flavour. There’s a particular intrigue in northern Hemisphere rugby and to be part of it presents an array of possibilities, both for the teams and indeed SuperSport. We look forward to watching the action unfold from this weekend.”
Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby, added: “We’re delighted SuperSport have reached agreement to acquire the rights to broadcast the GUINNESS PRO14. This is a fascinating and ground-breaking change for rugby and I am sure people will be keen to tune in and see how the Hemispheres measure up against each other in club competition. SuperSport have given us a ring side seat and we’re already looking forward to Friday night’s inaugural broadcast.”
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