Super Rugby - Australian Elite Edition is go!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bindi]

Foxtel, Rugby Australia deal confirmed with New Zealand games also to be shown

Fox Sports and Rugby Australia have signed off on a revised broadcast deal for this year, paving the way for a revamped domestic competition to kick off on July 3 - five weeks behind the NRL.

It comes as Fox Sports announced it would also show the New Zealand competition in its entirety, which kicks off when the Highlanders host the Chiefs in Dunedin on Saturday afternoon.

Following the Herald’s report on Wednesday morning that a broadcast deal was imminent, RA has confirmed the news, with interim chief executive Rob Clarke paying “huge thanks” to long-time broadcaster Fox Sports for its support.

After weeks of negotiations, both parties have come to an agreement following the cancellation of Super Rugby for this year after seven rounds due to COVID-19.

RA confirmed a five-team competition will be played over 10 weeks - plus another two for a preliminary final and grand final - which will feature the NSW Waratahs, Melbourne Rebels, ACT Brumbies, Queensland Reds and Western Force. A full draw is set to be announced on Thursday.

The Reds will host the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium on July 3. The Brumbies will face the Rebels in Canberra the following evening. The Force won’t begin their campaign until round two.

All matches will be played at closed venues for the time being, with RA to review its stance on crowds at a later date in line with government restrictions.

There had been concern among rugby administrators that Fox Sports would play hardball and not want to broadcast content for the remainder of the year but it appears Australian rugby will be back on TV screens from July as planned.

Clarke and incoming chairman Hamish McLennan were tasked with working out the finer details with Fox Sports boss Patrick Delany.

However, the broadcast deal is only for the domestic product, with negotiations still to continue regarding how much money Fox Sports will pay for Tests on Australian soil later in the year.

It is unclear what reduced broadcast dollar figure RA has collected.

“A huge thanks goes to our broadcast partner of 25 years Fox Sports who have backed the revised competition format for 2020 and have delivered the best possible news to rugby fans across the country today,” Clarke said in a statement.

Meanwhile, rugby fans in Australia will breathe a sigh of relief after it was confirmed Fox Sports will also show Super Rugby Aotearoa, New Zealand’s domestic competition, on its channels and streaming platform Kayo.

Super Rugby Aotearoa will run the same format, with five teams, and has changed from afternoon to night-time kick-offs in response to broadcaster demand.

The change will be music to the ears of Australian fans who, after more than three months, will be able to watch a Saturday evening double-header when the Australian competition starts.

“Rugby-starved fans will be able to watch their favourite teams in viewer-friendly timeslots each week,” Fox Sports boss Peter Campbell said. “Additionally, Foxtel has also reached an agreement to air the New Zealand Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, which starts this weekend, so rugby fans can settle in to watch more of the sport they love.”

Better late than never.

[Thomas]

Looks like the bullying from NewsCorp worked.

[Bindi]

Reds v Waratahs July 3 7:05pm Brisbane
Brumbies v Rebels July 4 7:15pm Canberra

[Zakar]

Pity they couldn't get the Sunwolves or Fijians involved so there could be three games per weekend.

[guy smiley]

Looks like the bullying from NewsCorp worked.

The price of shutting AC up for five minutes.

[Bindi]

Pity they couldn't get the Sunwolves or Fijians involved so there could be three games per weekend.

Agreed, but Friday and Saturday night games every weekend will be great. Can watch the lesser Kiwi matches beforehand too.

[Akkerman]

Good news, shame it's closed venues still

[shanky]

This (and the NZ one) will kill the Super concept for good

Games of local interest, played regularly, at convenient time frames

we'll never go back now

[Ali's Choice]

This is super exciting. Between this and the NZ competition, Rugby fans here in Australia can now watch four games every weekend scheduled in viewer friendly time-slots. This is better than the old SR comp already! South Africa who?

[Thomas]

This (and the NZ one) will kill the Super concept for good

Games of local interest, played regularly, at convenient time frames

we'll never go back now

Next year they'll combine the two comps for sure. No more 2am matches in some shithole reffed by bent ex-players.

[Ali's Choice]

This (and the NZ one) will kill the Super concept for good

Games of local interest, played regularly, at convenient time frames

we'll never go back now

Next year they'll combine the two comps for sure. No more 2am matches in some shithole reffed by bent ex-players.

I'm excited just thinking about that scenario.

Five games every weekend, all at watchable times and with no crooked referees delivering 16-1 penalty counts.

[Mullet 2]

Sound a bit like one of the lads down the pub who gets dumped and says its mutual.

[grievous]

Private equity giant in talks with Rugby Australia


The global private equity giant that bought a $4 billion stake in the UFC is in talks with Rugby Australia to make a game-changing investment in the embattled football code.

The Herald can reveal the Australian arm of American firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is in early talks with Rugby Australia, in collaboration with the Melbourne Rebels, about taking a stake in the sport worth "hundreds of millions of dollars", according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The parties met last week and are taking discussions further, based on a 2021 competition model for the professional game that will most likely dismantle the 25-year-old SANZAAR partnership at Super Rugby level and put Australia's interests first.

Incoming Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed the firm's interest and said while Test rugby and the grassroots game were off limits, Super Rugby was ripe for a shake up.

[Thomas]

Sound a bit like one of the lads down the pub who gets dumped and says its mutual.

South Africa is all "Yeah, sure. I have a girlfriend. She lives in the northern hemisphere. You probably wouldn't know her..."

[Zakar]

Sound a bit like one of the lads down the pub who gets dumped and says its mutual.

South Africa is all "Yeah, sure. I have a girlfriend. She lives in the northern hemisphere. You probably wouldn't know her..."

I've never met a South African with a girlfriend. They either have wives or are douchey incel types. It's quite remarkable.

[Catman]

Private equity giant in talks with Rugby Australia


The global private equity giant that bought a $4 billion stake in the UFC is in talks with Rugby Australia to make a game-changing investment in the embattled football code.

The Herald can reveal the Australian arm of American firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is in early talks with Rugby Australia, in collaboration with the Melbourne Rebels, about taking a stake in the sport worth "hundreds of millions of dollars", according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The parties met last week and are taking discussions further, based on a 2021 competition model for the professional game that will most likely dismantle the 25-year-old SANZAAR partnership at Super Rugby level and put Australia's interests first.

Incoming Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed the firm's interest and said while Test rugby and the grassroots game were off limits, Super Rugby was ripe for a shake up.

"hundreds of millions of dollars"

[jdogscoop]

Great to see The Western Force back in the mix too.

I assume Forrest is lending them a few bucks to sign some good players at short notice, otherwise they're going to get smashed.

[grievous]

Private equity giant in talks with Rugby Australia


The global private equity giant that bought a $4 billion stake in the UFC is in talks with Rugby Australia to make a game-changing investment in the embattled football code.

The Herald can reveal the Australian arm of American firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is in early talks with Rugby Australia, in collaboration with the Melbourne Rebels, about taking a stake in the sport worth "hundreds of millions of dollars", according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The parties met last week and are taking discussions further, based on a 2021 competition model for the professional game that will most likely dismantle the 25-year-old SANZAAR partnership at Super Rugby level and put Australia's interests first.

Incoming Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed the firm's interest and said while Test rugby and the grassroots game were off limits, Super Rugby was ripe for a shake up.

"hundreds of millions of dollars"

Could be BS might be a bit true, what is true is whatever it is it wont be that monopoly rand shite.
Good luck!

[grievous]

Great to see The Western Force back in the mix too.

I assume Forrest is lending them a few bucks to sign some good players at short notice, otherwise they're going to get smashed.

So what, its on isnt it?

[bravo]

Private equity giant in talks with Rugby Australia


The global private equity giant that bought a $4 billion stake in the UFC is in talks with Rugby Australia to make a game-changing investment in the embattled football code.

The Herald can reveal the Australian arm of American firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is in early talks with Rugby Australia, in collaboration with the Melbourne Rebels, about taking a stake in the sport worth "hundreds of millions of dollars", according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The parties met last week and are taking discussions further, based on a 2021 competition model for the professional game that will most likely dismantle the 25-year-old SANZAAR partnership at Super Rugby level and put Australia's interests first.

Incoming Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed the firm's interest and said while Test rugby and the grassroots game were off limits, Super Rugby was ripe for a shake up.

This could be massive if it's pulled off right.. RA would still need to massively get their shit together but if all of a sudden they were cashed to the eyeballs and had even a barely marketable competition going with NZ.. then they would be a serious threat to the NRL as they could throw big dollars at league talent with the added incentive for the players of being able to stay in Oz.

[Ali's Choice]

Sound a bit like one of the lads down the pub who gets dumped and says its mutual.

The South Africans are the ones who have been dumped, and the Pro 14/16/18 will be their rebound lay.

[shanky]

Sound a bit like one of the lads down the pub who gets dumped and says its mutual.

Ahh perhaps so, but any worse than being forever a chattel of the RFU?

[Mullet 2]

Sound a bit like one of the lads down the pub who gets dumped and says its mutual.

South Africa is all "Yeah, sure. I have a girlfriend. She lives in the northern hemisphere. You probably wouldn't know her..."

[shanky]

Sound a bit like one of the lads down the pub who gets dumped and says its mutual.

South Africa is all "Yeah, sure. I have a girlfriend. She lives in the northern hemisphere. You probably wouldn't know her..."

[grievous]

Private equity giant in talks with Rugby Australia


The global private equity giant that bought a $4 billion stake in the UFC is in talks with Rugby Australia to make a game-changing investment in the embattled football code.

The Herald can reveal the Australian arm of American firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is in early talks with Rugby Australia, in collaboration with the Melbourne Rebels, about taking a stake in the sport worth "hundreds of millions of dollars", according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The parties met last week and are taking discussions further, based on a 2021 competition model for the professional game that will most likely dismantle the 25-year-old SANZAAR partnership at Super Rugby level and put Australia's interests first.

Incoming Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed the firm's interest and said while Test rugby and the grassroots game were off limits, Super Rugby was ripe for a shake up.

This could be massive if it's pulled off right.. RA would still need to massively get their shit together but if all of a sudden they were cashed to the eyeballs and had even a barely marketable competition going with NZ.. then they would be a serious threat to the NRL as they could throw big dollars at league talent with the added incentive for the players of being able to stay in Oz.

Woah there Tonto

[Zakar]

Private equity giant in talks with Rugby Australia


The global private equity giant that bought a $4 billion stake in the UFC is in talks with Rugby Australia to make a game-changing investment in the embattled football code.

The Herald can reveal the Australian arm of American firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is in early talks with Rugby Australia, in collaboration with the Melbourne Rebels, about taking a stake in the sport worth "hundreds of millions of dollars", according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The parties met last week and are taking discussions further, based on a 2021 competition model for the professional game that will most likely dismantle the 25-year-old SANZAAR partnership at Super Rugby level and put Australia's interests first.

Incoming Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed the firm's interest and said while Test rugby and the grassroots game were off limits, Super Rugby was ripe for a shake up.

This could be massive if it's pulled off right.. RA would still need to massively get their shit together but if all of a sudden they were cashed to the eyeballs and had even a barely marketable competition going with NZ.. then they would be a serious threat to the NRL as they could throw big dollars at league talent with the added incentive for the players of being able to stay in Oz.

Only if the PE firm takes over the spending, ensuring it's not pissed against the wall by blazers at rockpool.

[MungoMan]

Private equity giant in talks with Rugby Australia


The global private equity giant that bought a $4 billion stake in the UFC is in talks with Rugby Australia to make a game-changing investment in the embattled football code.

The Herald can reveal the Australian arm of American firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is in early talks with Rugby Australia, in collaboration with the Melbourne Rebels, about taking a stake in the sport worth "hundreds of millions of dollars", according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The parties met last week and are taking discussions further, based on a 2021 competition model for the professional game that will most likely dismantle the 25-year-old SANZAAR partnership at Super Rugby level and put Australia's interests first.

Incoming Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed the firm's interest and said while Test rugby and the grassroots game were off limits, Super Rugby was ripe for a shake up.

This could be massive if it's pulled off right.. RA would still need to massively get their shit together but if all of a sudden they were cashed to the eyeballs and had even a barely marketable competition going with NZ.. then they would be a serious threat to the NRL as they could throw big dollars at league talent with the added incentive for the players of being able to stay in Oz.

If the money appears, Strayan rugby would be in a better position to become a bit of a pest to RL.

With five teams versus 15 and no FTA coverage in sight, it’s fanciful to talk of serious threats.

[shanky]

KKR have a long and well earned record of being Wall Street exemplars

They started off in the LBO business, selling off assets to pay the debt they racked up to overpay for the equity

My own opinion is that RA wouldn't need to worry about stuffed blazers, they'd have sold them for horse meat within 5 minutes.

[Blackrock Bullet]

KKR have a long and well earned record of being Wall Street exemplars

They started off in the LBO business, selling off assets to pay the debt they racked up to overpay for the equity

My own opinion is that RA wouldn't need to worry about stuffed blazers, they'd have sold them for horse meat within 5 minutes.

Rugby Australia ain't exactly swimming in assets.....

[Ellafan]

oops i just shit my pants

Goodbye saffers, 3am games and crooked refs.

[shanky]

KKR have a long and well earned record of being Wall Street exemplars

They started off in the LBO business, selling off assets to pay the debt they racked up to overpay for the equity

My own opinion is that RA wouldn't need to worry about stuffed blazers, they'd have sold them for horse meat within 5 minutes.

Rugby Australia ain't exactly swimming in assets.....

How do you imagine PE will get it's 35%+ return then? Given that RA can't manage anything close to that

[Ellafan]

KKR have a long and well earned record of being Wall Street exemplars

They started off in the LBO business, selling off assets to pay the debt they racked up to overpay for the equity

My own opinion is that RA wouldn't need to worry about stuffed blazers, they'd have sold them for horse meat within 5 minutes.

Rugby Australia ain't exactly swimming in assets.....

How do you imagine PE will get it's 35%+ return then? Given that RA can't manage anything close to that

It seems your correspondent does not understand what a non-tangible is, and how accountants value them*.

*cash-flow x 7 is a good start.

[shanky]

Go on.

[Ellafan]

Go on.

Not me, I'm no brown-suit.

Besides, Brendan Kelly told me to self isolate.

[shanky]

Cool.

[Blackrock Bullet]

KKR have a long and well earned record of being Wall Street exemplars

They started off in the LBO business, selling off assets to pay the debt they racked up to overpay for the equity

My own opinion is that RA wouldn't need to worry about stuffed blazers, they'd have sold them for horse meat within 5 minutes.

Rugby Australia ain't exactly swimming in assets.....

How do you imagine PE will get it's 35%+ return then? Given that RA can't manage anything close to that

It seems your correspondent does not understand what a non-tangible is, and how accountants value them*.

*cash-flow x 7 is a good start.

I'm well aware. But they can't sell off Super Rugby's Goodwill for example, like they could a physical asset. Which is rather the point.

A monkey could tell you that they'll be taking their slice of broadcast and other revenue off the top to get their money back, but they can't really strip Rugby Australia down for parts. You just can't do that with sports.

[shanky]

PE looks to exit from an improved free cashflow business.

Accounting tricks won't get you far these days, cutting unnecessary 'assets' (like a junior development program) is a slam-dunk approach.

[Ellafan]

KKR have a long and well earned record of being Wall Street exemplars

They started off in the LBO business, selling off assets to pay the debt they racked up to overpay for the equity

My own opinion is that RA wouldn't need to worry about stuffed blazers, they'd have sold them for horse meat within 5 minutes.

Rugby Australia ain't exactly swimming in assets.....

How do you imagine PE will get it's 35%+ return then? Given that RA can't manage anything close to that

It seems your correspondent does not understand what a non-tangible is, and how accountants value them*.

*cash-flow x 7 is a good start.

I'm well aware. But they can't sell off Super Rugby's Goodwill for example, like they could a physical asset. Which is rather the point.

A monkey could tell you that they'll be taking their slice of broadcast and other revenue off the top to get their money back, but they can't really strip Rugby Australia down for parts. You just can't do that with sports.

Clearly not, which is why they obviously have a different financial model in mind.

[Ulsters Red Hand]

Does anyone really care?

[shanky]

Does anyone really care?

We care.

Do you care about Ulster Rugby?