Big announcement for SuperSport’s Rugby World Cup coverage
World Rugby have announced a 'landmark agreement' related to Africa and the coverage of the next two Rugby World Cups.
Black News 
World Rugby has today confirmed a major multi-year broadcast agreement with the CANAL+ Group, involving Rugby World Cup coverage on SuperSport, further strengthening the global reach of rugby and accelerating the sport’s growth across Africa.
Under the agreement, fans across Sub-Saharan Africa will be able to watch Men’s 2027 tournament and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 in Australia live on SuperSport, on DStv.
The partnership forms part of World Rugby’s strategy to expand the accessibility and visibility of its flagship competitions.
Rugby World Cup impact
In an African context, defending champions South Africa will aim to make history with a fifth Rugby World Cup title next year, while Zimbabwe’s qualification sees the return of the Sables to rugby’s biggest stage for the first time since 1991, underlining the continued development of the game across the region.
In the women’s game, the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 in Australia will build on unprecedented momentum. The competition will follow the record-breaking 2025 edition, which delivered new benchmarks for attendance, viewership and fan engagement, and saw South Africa become the first African team to reach the Women’s RWC quarter-finals.
More to come
The agreement also includes coverage of key World Rugby competitions, including the Junior World Championship, now expanded to 16 teams, and the Pacific Nations Cup, further enhancing the visibility of international pathways and elite competition.
World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer Michel Poussau said: “We are delighted to partner with the CANAL+ Group to deliver comprehensive, high-quality coverage of international rugby’s pinnacle competitions across Africa, including two exceptional Rugby World Cups in Australia in 2027 and 2029.
“This agreement is a major step in expanding the reach of the game, ensuring fans across the continent can watch, follow and engage more deeply with rugby. We look forward to working closely with CANAL+ teams to bring the sport closer to audiences and inspire the next generation of players and fans in Africa.”
The agreement also reflects the growing importance of Africa as a strategic market for rugby, with increased participation, rising competitiveness at elite level and strong audience demand for premium rugby content.
