The Foxtel Group has extended its commitment to top-tier rugby league coverage, announcing a multi-year broadcast deal with Rugby League Commercial to stream every game of the Betfred Super League live on Kayo Sports.
Brokered by strategic partner IMG, the renewed agreement means Australian fans can catch all the action from both the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Super League exclusively on Foxtel platforms, further solidifying the group’s status as the home of rugby league in Australia.
Rebecca McCloy, Foxtel Group’s executive director commercial sport, said the renewed partnership continues the company’s goal to grow the game and cater to a dedicated fan base:
“Super League is one of the premier rugby league competitions in the world, and we are very excited that through this renewal, our subscribers can continue to enjoy all the action of the competition. We are truly the home of international rugby league in Australia and, through our long-term support, have played an important role in growing engagement in the sport.”
The announcement follows record viewership for the Round 3 Super League match between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, played in Las Vegas earlier this month. The game became the most-watched Super League fixture on Kayo and Foxtel platforms to date.
Rhodri Jones, managing director of Rugby League Commercial, highlighted the synergy between the Super League and the NRL, noting the popularity of crossover talent with Australian audiences.
“There are such strong links between the world’s two leading rugby league competitions, and so many familiar names to Australian viewers, superstar players like Bevan French at Wigan Warriors, Luke Keary at Catalans Dragons and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves at Hull KR, or head coaches like Sam Burgess and Brad Arthur,” said Jones.
“It’s a boost to us all to know there are growing numbers of viewers in Australia who will be getting up on weekend mornings to watch the battle to reach the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford in October.”
This weekend’s round of Super League matches will be a historic one as the league celebrates its 5,000th fixture in its 30th season. On Saturday 29 March at 7am AEDT, Sam Burgess’s Warrington Wolves will host Brad Arthur’s Leeds Rhinos live on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
Also airing live is Friday morning’s clash between Castleford Tigers and a resurgent Hull FC, now led by former NRL player John Cartwright and featuring ex-Raiders stars Jordan Rapana and Aiden Sezer.
McCloy added that with so many ex-NRL players embedded in Super League clubs, the connection between Australian fans and the international game has never been stronger:
“It’s all part of our objective to grow the game, bringing fans closer to their favourite players and helping spotlight the global impact of rugby league.”