Digital media platform RugbyPass has agreed a deal with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Rugby Australia (RA) to stream the 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition.
Having launched on 14 May, the service will act as the exclusive destination for the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition in over 60 countries including the UK and Ireland, allowing rugby union fans to access live streaming of all 26 matches across five rounds and the final of the competition through to its culmination on 19 June.
Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos, noted: “Rugby Australia are thrilled to be partnering with RugbyPass to bring the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition to supporters worldwide. The hype around the competition is incredible and we are thrilled that fans across 60 different countries will be able to enjoy this fantastic competition together.”
The service will feature both the New Zealand and Australian Super Rugby teams with live matches, full replays, highlights and expert opinion and analysis from the RugbyPass team.
“RugbyPass are immensely excited to announce the partnership with NZR and RA and to be able to bring Super Rugby Trans-Tasman to the RugbyPass platform,” added RugbyPass CEO, Neil Martin.
“The new streaming service means rugby fans across the globe will now be able to watch and enjoy all the games, and more, throughout the competition. RugbyPass is committed to providing fans with the content they desire and will continue to strive to give them access to all major competitions.”
In November, details of the new rugby union tournament emerged, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting that the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman was awaiting approval from NZR and RA.
The annual Southern Hemisphere club competition will make its debut this year, replacing the pan-Southern Hemisphere tournament which was scrapped during the pandemic.
New Zealand Rugby CEO, Mark Robinson, added on the deal: “We know there are rugby fans around the world who will be following Super Rugby Trans-Tasman and we are delighted to partner with RugbyPass to deliver our competition to a global audience. The rugby will be fantastic, our players can’t wait for kick off and it’s great to have an easy and accessible way to share all the action with the world.”
Other media rights agreements finalised for the tournament include pay-television broadcasters SuperSport in sub-Saharan Africa, Canal Plus in France, TSN in Canada and ESPN in South America, and FloRugby in the US.