Cross-border rugby union competition the Pro14 has launched its own OTT video platform, it said on Tuesday.
The service, known as Pro14 TV, will be a direct-to-consumer platform available to fans in selected international territories. It was developed in partnership with technology company StreamAMG.
The service has been launched as the 2018-19 Pro14 Finals Series heads into its semi-final stage this weekend. Viewers will be able to choose from pay-per-view passes for individual games or a weekend pass. The Pro14 said traditional monthly and seasonal options will be launched for the 2019-20 season.
In addition to live, chargeable match coverage, the service will offer free registration-led access to a comprehensive library of clips, highlights, full-match replays and a range of exclusive content. The platform comes after the league successfully streamed Pro14 matches on social media to selected territories this season.
Dermot Rigley, commercial director of Pro14 Rugby, said: “Launching our own OTT video platform to reach fans around the world was a logical next step for us as we experience more demand for the Guinness Pro14 than ever before. To be the first major rugby union tournament to launch an OTT service is in keeping with our commitment to innovation and a commitment to embrace new technologies.”