South African rugby enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief as MultiChoice and its parent company, CANAL+, officially renewed their multi-year domestic broadcast rights agreement with the South African Rugby Union (SARU).
This deal ensures that SuperSport remains the exclusive home for all SARU domestic competitions, as well as the Springbok Women’s and Junior Springbok matches across Sub-Saharan Africa.
A New Era Under CANAL+
This agreement marks a significant milestone as the first major local sports federation deal signed since CANAL+ joined forces with MultiChoice in late 2025. It serves as a powerful statement of intent regarding the French media giant’s commitment to the South African sporting landscape.
- Legacy of Partnership: SuperSport has partnered with SA Rugby for over 30 years, and this renewal secures that legacy for the foreseeable future.
- Cultural Priority: CANAL+ Africa CEO David Mignot emphasized that rugby is woven into the “national psyche” of South Africa, promising a “doubling down” on local sports investment.
- Financial Sustainability: SARU CEO Rian Oberholzer highlighted that broadcasting rights are the lifeblood of the sport’s health and sustainability in the country.
“They have demonstrated a shared understanding of the importance of rugby to the South African public,” said SARU President Mark Alexander.
What This Means for Subscribers:
- Exclusive Access: All domestic matches remain on SuperSport, accessible via DStv.
- Broad Coverage: Beyond the senior men’s teams, the deal specifically protects the visibility of the Springbok Women and Junior age-group rugby.
- Stability: The agreement provides long-term certainty for fans amidst the shifting global landscape of sports broadcasting.
