Rugby Fans Rejoice RWC 2023 will Broadcast on SABC

In a victory for rugby enthusiasts in South Africa, the SABC and SuperSport have come to a resolution regarding the coverage of the upcoming World Cup.

As per an announcement by MultiChoice on Thursday, the SABC will air a total of 16 matches, including the opening ceremony and the initial match, along with all four Springbok group matches, two quarter-finals, one semi-final, the bronze final, the championship match, and the closing ceremony.

These matches could potentially showcase the Boks, the reigning champions. However, if Siya Kolisi and his team do not make it to the knockout rounds, these aforementioned matches will still be available for broadcasting.

MultiChoice SA CEO Marc Jury expressed satisfaction with the cooperative agreement, stating, “We are pleased to have reached an arrangement with the SABC in the spirit of cooperation.”

MultiChoice has confirmed that, following the SABC’s acceptance of a proposal made by MultiChoice on August 18, 2023, they have reached a preliminary agreement to sub-license the broadcast rights for the Rugby World Cup 2023 to the SABC.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the SABC would not be airing the 2023 World Cup after SuperSport announced their failure to reach an agreement with the SABC for sub-licensing the broadcast rights for this highly-anticipated tournament, which kicks off with a match between hosts France and New Zealand on Friday.

This outcome comes despite months of negotiations and several seemingly reasonable proposals presented by SuperSport, all of which were declined by the SABC.

The Boks will begin their quest to defend the Webb Ellis Cup against Scotland in Marseille on Sunday.

Source: SARugbyMag