Closer: All test match hosting rights to fall under SA Rugby

Early Breakfast with Africa Melane

Jan de Koning | Editor at Rugby365

SA Rugby has recently taken a significant step by securing the hosting rights
for major rugby events within the country. This move centralizes control
over the commercial aspects of rugby, allowing SA Rugby to manage and
optimize the sport’s growth and profitability on home soil. The decision also
aligns with their broader strategy to formalize an agreement with potential
American equity partners, such as the Ackerley Group. As this new model is
applied, it is expected to bring both challenges and opportunities, reshaping
the landscape of test rugby in South Africa.

The implications of this move are far-reaching. By owning the hosting rights,
SA Rugby can ensure that the sport remains accessible and engaging for fans
across the country while also boosting its financial sustainability. This
change is poised to impact everything from match scheduling and venue
selection to broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals. To explore what
these changes mean for the future of test rugby in South Africa, we’re
joined by Jan de Koning, Editor at Rugby365, who will provide insights into
how this new structure will be implemented and what it could mean for the
game we love.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.