SABC Sport Brings Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry To Every South African Home In 2026

SABC Sport has secured Free-to-Air television broadcasting rights for the highly anticipated Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) 2026 series through a sub-licence Media Rights Agreement with CANAL+ subsidiary, SuperSport International. Some of these matches will be broadcast live, while others will be aired on a delayed basis.

This will enable SABC Sport to bring some of world rugby’s most compelling fixtures featuring the Springboks, New Zealand All Blacks, and leading South African franchises to audiences across South Africa through SABC television channels and SABC Plus.

This agreement reinforces SABC’s commitment to delivering premium sporting content to all South Africans while advancing its public service mandate of ensuring broad access to events of national significance.

The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series is one of the sport’s most celebrated contests, showcasing historic clashes between South Africa and New Zealand, alongside fixtures involving the Bulls, Sharks, Lions and the South African Women’s national team.

Through this acquisition, millions of South Africans will be able to enjoy live and delayed coverage of key matches across multiple SABC platforms, ensuring greater accessibility to quality rugby content.

The rights package includes the following matches:

  • 11 August 2026: New Zealand vs Sharks
  • 15 August 2026: New Zealand vs Bulls (Live Broadcast)
  • 22 August 2026: South Africa vs New Zealand (Delayed Broadcast)
  • 25 August 2026: New Zealand vs Lions (Delayed Broadcast)
  • 29 August 2026: South Africa vs New Zealand (Delayed Broadcast)
  • 5 September 2026: South Africa Women vs New Zealand Women (Live Broadcast)
  • 5 September 2026: South Africa vs New Zealand (Delayed Broadcast)
  • 12 September 2026: South Africa vs New Zealand (Delayed Broadcast)

The rights package also includes repeat broadcasts and digital streaming

The acquisition forms part of SABC Sport’s ongoing strategy to secure premium sports properties that deliver audience growth and increased engagement while supporting national sports development. The rights were secured through a media rights license agreement with CANAL+’s SuperSport.

SABC Group Chief Executive Officer, Nomsa Chabeli, said:

“On behalf of the SABC, we extend our sincere appreciation to CANAL+’s SuperSport and our commercial partners for their continued support of South African sport and for helping bring world-class rugby content to audiences across the country. These partnerships play a vital role in broadening access to premium sporting events while supporting the growth and sustainability of sports broadcasting in South Africa. Through the collective commitment of our partners, rugby fans across the nation will have the opportunity to experience the excitement, passion and rich heritage of one of the sport’s greatest rivalries. Together, we are ensuring that iconic rugby moments remain accessible to millions of South Africans through Free-to-Air broadcasting, reinforcing sport’s unique ability to unite, inspire and build national pride.”

CANAL+ Africa and MultiChoice Group CEO, David Mignot, said:

“We are pleased to be able to partner with Free-to-Air broadcasters, including the SABC, to ensure the support of local African sports content. The MultiChoice Group has had a long-standing partnership with the SABC, which we are proud to continue with the sub-licence agreement for these Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry broadcast rights.”

With the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry 2026 Series set to capture the attention of rugby fans across the country, SABC Sport remains committed to bringing world-class sporting action to every South African household.

This underscores the power of collaboration in expanding access to premium content and ensuring that major sporting events remain available on Free-to-Air television for generations of fans to enjoy.

Rugby fanatics can catch all the action on SABC Sport and SABC Plus, these platforms will keep you at the heart of the action throughout the tournament.

30 Year milestone:

  • 1996: SABC Education is established as a dedicated public service education division.
  • 1997: Take 5 launch.
  • 1999: Yizo Yizo sparks a national conversation on education and youth development.
  • 2000: Takalani Sesame launches on Both Radio and TV, introducing multilingual early childhood education to South African children and adapted in all ALS stations.
  • 2002: Gaz’ Lam.
  • 2000–2005: Expansion of children’s educational programming through YO TV, Soul Buddyz and Soul City.
  • 2004: The decade speaks; Radio Celebrated the first decade of our democracy.
  • 2006–2010: Youth-focused programmes such as Hectic Nine-9, Shift and Khululeka Siyavota broaden educational content beyond the classroom.
  • 2007: Hectic Nine-9.
  • 2008: Voter and Democracy Education, a partnership with the IEC is launched on both Radio and TV.
  • 2009: Khetha, A partnership with DHET, focused on Career services and Skills development.
  • 2009: Matric revision, an SABC Radio initiative to assist matriculants to prepare for their final examinations is launched –every year between September and October.
  • 2010: Intersexions.
  • 2011: Skeem Saam premieres, combining compelling storytelling with educational and social themes.
  • 2012: Geleza Nathi launches, becoming one of South Africa’s leading matric support programmes.
  • 2013: Nalibali, A partnership with the Nalibali Foundation focused on building a culture of Reading –ECD.
  • 2018: Side by Side, A partnership with the National Department of Health and Ilifalabantwana Foundation Focused on ensuring that children receive the naturing care and protection to reach their full potential.
  • 2015–2019: Expansion into career guidance, entrepreneurship and digital learning initiatives through programmes such as iSpani and Daily Thetha.
  • 2020: SABC Education becomes the nation’s classroom during COVID-19, delivering curriculum support across television, radio and digital platforms.
  • 2021: SABC Education celebrates 25 years of empowering South Africans through accessible learning.
  • 2023–2026: Continued growth on SABC Plus and digital platforms, providing on-demand educational content for learners of all ages.
  • 2026: Launched Our Space. SABC Education celebrates 30 years of shaping minds, opening opportunities and educating generations.