Millions of South Africans will be able to watch the Springboks defend their world title during the Rugby World Cup after MultiChoice accepted a broadcasting rights proposal by the SABC on Thursday. (Stu Forster/Getty)
Millions of South Africans will be able to watch the Springboks defend their world title during the Rugby World Cup after MultiChoice accepted a broadcasting rights proposal by the SABC on Thursday.
MultiChoice confirmed that it had reached “an agreement in principle to sub-license broadcast rights” to the public broadcaster for the tournament. The first match, between France and New Zealand, kicks off at Stade de France, outside Paris, at 9.15pm on Friday.
“A total of 16 matches may be broadcast by the SABC, including the opening ceremony and opening match, all matches that the Springboks participate in, two quarter-final matches, one semi-final, the bronze final, the final and the closing ceremony,” MultiChoice said in a statement.
It said even if the national team did not qualify for the knockout stages, the matches would still be available for broadcast by the SABC.
“We are pleased to have reached an arrangement with the SABC in the spirit of co-operation,” MultiChoice SA chief executive Marc Jury said.
Minister of Sports Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa welcomed the news in a statement posted on X, saying he was pleased to learn that the broadcasters had reached an agreement regarding rights to screen the event.
“I welcome this groundbreaking agreement which will allow all South Africans to watch the world champions, the Springboks, as they defend their Rugby World Cup title,” Kodwa said.
“Rugby has the potential to unite our people, to foster social cohesion and national unity. We have seen this in the times the Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup.”