Southern Hemisphere Rugby Union Coverage

[A.R.C]

For a long time SKY has provided coverage of Super Rugby from the Southern Hemisphere. I realise that Super Rugby has has a bit of a disruption but New Zealand, Australia and South Africa are all playing competitions within their own countries for the teams concerned. Both Australia and New Zealand use the term Super Rugby as part of the competition title and South Africa has a competition called "Preparation Series" including Clubs from Super Rugby and Currie Cup.

All three of these competitions are kicking off on the 19th February (Australia), 26th February (New Zealand) and 27th (South Africa). Is Sky showing any of these three competitions after their years of Super Rugby coverage. I can find no mention of these competitions on SKY.

[IanB2507]

It appears that Sky Sports haven't got the rights to Super Rugby Aus or Super Rugby Aotearoa this season, meaning that their already limited Rugby Union coverage has been cut even further.
Quite bizarre given that Sky Sports NZ are showing the competitions plus the 6 Nations, English Premiership and Top 14.
I guess Sky Sports think all UK subscribers are obsessed with their countless hours of football.

[TimmyBGood]

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@IanB2507 wrote:

Quite bizarre given that Sky Sports NZ are showing the competitions plus the 6 Nations, English Premiership and Top 14.

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Sky Network Television Limited which carries Sky Sport (not Sky Sports) hasn't had shared ownership with Sky Group for many years and wasn't part of the Comcast acquisition.  The similarities in product branding are a historical legacy.

[Postie1]

Has anyone actually had a reply from sky confirming whether any coverage will be shown?I've been actively trying to gain this information without any joy. As you say sky seems more focused towards the premiership footballl. Personally my preferences are super rugby and Top 14 which has already been lost.

As neither seem to shown on sky anymore, I'm wondering why I'm paying so much for a service that doesn't really fit my watching preferences. Guess time is closing in on me cancelling my sky Q contract.

[nolte]

I would suggest emailing viewer relations at viewerR@sky.uk 

[Postie1]

I have just waiting for a reply 

[Rhonny]

@Postie1

Personally my preferences are super rugby and Top 14

I suspect there aren't enough of you to make it worth Sky's investment. 

[SDR]

So who will broadcast Super Rugby in the UK in 2021? SANZAAR reported that there was good interest in the TV rights, with talks ongoing. But with Super Rugby AU starting tomorrow, on 19 February, and Aotearoa getting underway a week later, it is unlikely a deal will be agreed before the tournaments kick off. Quote from Rugby world

[LucaStix]

Yes - agree

Its disgraceful.  Consdering dropping Sky Sports from my subscription. 

My son & daughter are obsessed with super Rugby.  

Surely a deal could be done direct with the new broadcaster.  They must be open to a deal - its $$ after all!!

Sky are going to lose a shed load of UK subscribers without southern hemisphere Rugby and a dwindling coverage generally. 

Sort it out Sky!

[Chrisee]

@LucaStix if any UK broadcaster was going to take the rights I would have expected it to be BT Sport  who broadcast more Rugby than Sky. The time difference especially with NZ (minmum 11 hours) is a killer unfortunately limiting the price Sky would pay its the same with cricket .

Agree with you that Sky Sports is poor value if you only want rugby. 

[A.R.C]

Totally agree with you about coverage. Football has just so many poosersd and actors trying to get players booked. 

I contacted Viewer Relations and they said they will not be covering it. I am really annoyed because they covered the two competitions last year.

Cheers

[A.R.C]

Super Rugby has been shown on SKY for at least 20 years. Possibly longer. Shame to see it evolve and SKY not cover it.

And if they cannot afford it then perhaps it is because they pay too much for football.

[A.R.C]

SKY replied to me that they are not showing it this season. Also I thought New Zealand started yeaterday but I might be wrong. 

[Postie1]

I'm hoping BT sport will take the option, then I'll leave sky after 30 years, as the sport seems totally focussed on Football. If they can have dedicated channels for F1, NFL, Golf & cricket surely there's a market for a rugby Union channel 

[TheFirstSword]

Personally I hope Amazon picks it up! Jeff needs the cash!