Broadcast details announced today will ensure that Global Rapid Rugby Season One is free-to-view and promotes the sport to a younger, digitally savvy audience right around the world.
A digitally focussed broadcast strategy includes international content aggregator Rugby Pass transmitting and promoting all 31 games of Season One via YouTube on Global Rapid Rugby’s website, rapidrugby.com.
In Australia, popular online provider Kayo Sports will also broadcast all 31 games to a subscription audience of 400,000 sports and entertainment fans. Additionally, Sky Sports will carry games in New Zealand while Fiji Broadcasting Corporation and TV1 Samoa will show matches live.
CEO Mark Evans says growing the game of rugby far and wide was one of the original motivations behind Global Rapid Rugby and its innovative, progressive brand.
“A digital broadcast deal means Rapid Rugby is available anywhere, at any time to anyone,” Evans explained.
“The fast-paced, high scoring, entertaining nature of our competition suits a younger, family audience. Working with Rugby Pass and YouTube gives Rapid Rugby a chance to reach the homes, phones and devices of sports and entertainment fans throughout the Asia Pacific region where the games will be played, and beyond, where the appetite for rugby is huge.
“The support of Fox Sports Australia has also been appreciated. Kayo is a one-stop-shop for sports lovers, so we are hoping to get plenty of eyeballs on that platform as well within our home market.”
- Rapidrugby.com will be the number one destination for Season One matches in 2020
- Worldwide digital provider Rugby Pass will carry all 31 games live and on-demand through its free-to-view YouTube Channel in all regions – excluding New Zealand
- Subscription streaming service Kayo Sports will broadcast all 31 matches live and on-demand in Australia. Subscription TV provider Fox Sports may broadcast some matches live and on replay
- Sky Sports New Zealand will carry all matches with an emphasis on the China Lions, a team featuring players from NZ domestic club Bay Of Plenty
- Fiji Broadcasting Corporation will broadcast games on free-to-air television
- TV1 Samoa will broadcast games on free-to-air television
- World-class broadcast provider Gravity Media will produce the majority of matches
The inaugural Global Rapid Rugby home-and-away season begins this Saturday, March 14, with Fijian Latui hosting the China Lions under lights in Suva, followed by a Double Header in Perth featuring the Western Force, Malaysia Valke, Manuma Samoa and South China Tigers.
Rapid Rugby Season One is played over 10 rounds and 31 games, including a one-off grand final and a total prize pool of AU$1 Million. The competition aims to grow the game of rugby in the APAC region and features innovative new laws that ensure more ball-in-play and reward attacking rugby.
