South African rugby fans can breathe easy, SuperSport isn’t going anywhere. SA Rugby has officially renewed its domestic broadcast rights agreement with the CANAL+ Group, cementing SuperSport’s position as the home of South African rugby for the foreseeable future in a multi-year deal that signals stability and ambition for the sport.
The agreement, which marks the first major local sports rights deal concluded since CANAL+ partnered with the MultiChoice Group last year, confirms SuperSport as the exclusive broadcaster of all SA Rugby domestic competitions across Sub-Saharan Africa. From the Currie Cup to Varsity Cup, and from Springbok women’s matches to junior age-group fixtures, the comprehensive package ensures fans won’t miss a moment of the action that matters.
It’s a relationship that has stood the test of time, SuperSport has been a proud broadcast partner of SA Rugby for more than three decades, weathering the amateur era’s transition to professionalism and capturing some of the sport’s most iconic moments along the way.
A Shared vision for rugby’s future
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander made no secret of his satisfaction with the outcome, describing the negotiations as thorough and productive.
“We are very happy to have concluded our first agreement with the MultiChoice Group and CANAL+ Group,” Alexander said. “They have demonstrated a shared understanding of the importance of rugby to the South African public,”Alexander told KickOff.com
That shared understanding extends beyond simply broadcasting matches. Canal+ Africa CEO David Mignot emphasised the broadcaster’s commitment to investing in local sport, recognising its cultural significance across the continent.
“As promised, we are doubling down on our investment in local content, including the sports content that matters most to people on the continent,” Mignot said. He acknowledged how rugby has become deeply woven into South African culture, particularly in the wake of the Springboks’ recent World Cup triumphs.
Broadcasting rights: The lifeblood of modern rugby
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer underscored the critical role broadcasting revenue plays in sustaining the sport at all levels.
“SuperSport has been a long-standing and trusted partner to South African rugby, and we are delighted to continue our partnership,” Oberholzer said.
The sentiment was echoed by Canal+ Director for Sports Content, Rendani Ramovha, who described the renewal as “a victory for DStv viewers,” promising that the broadcaster would continue delivering world-class coverage of rugby across its platforms.
What it means for fans
For supporters across Sub-Saharan Africa, the deal guarantees comprehensive, uninterrupted access to South African rugby’s domestic landscape. Whether it’s the provincial rivalries of the Currie Cup, the raw energy of Varsity Cup, the growing profile of women’s rugby, or the next generation of talent coming through junior competitions, SuperSport’s cameras will be there to capture it all.
The agreement represents more than just commercial pragmatism , it’s a vote of confidence in South African rugby’s future and its ability to captivate audiences across the region. With the Springboks riding high as world champions and domestic rugby experiencing renewed vigour, the timing couldn’t be better for both parties to lock in a long-term partnership.
SuperSport’s three-decade association with SA Rugby has produced some of broadcasting’s most memorable moments in South African sport. This renewal ensures that the next chapter of that story will continue to unfold on familiar screens, keeping the connection between fans and their beloved game as strong as ever.
