The Australian Rugby Union, rugby union’s governing body in Australia, is seeking a new rights deal with a free-to-air broadcaster in a bid to increase revenues and raise interest in the sport, according to the Australian newspaper.
The report said that the governing body’s chief executive Bill Pulver had met key rugby stakeholders, including major sponsor Qantas and broadcasters, to outline a new vision for the sport.
Pulver’s strategy is said to include a presence on a free-to-air broadcaster for the Super 15 club competition, which is currently shown by pay-television broadcaster Foxtel.
Fox Sports is the principal rights-holder of rugby union in Australia under a five-year deal, from 2011 to 2015.
Rugby union has lacked a significant presence on free-to-air television in Australia since it left commercial broadcaster Seven Network in 2010.