Premier Sports Expands Rugby Reach with New Canadian OTT Service
Premier Sports has officially launched a dedicated rugby over-the-top (OTT) service in Canada. This move significantly broadens the broadcaster’s sports offering in the region. The service will bring major rugby union tournaments directly to Canadian fans. This is a notable expansion for the United Kingdom-based company.
Key Broadcast Rights Secured
The new Canadian service will feature extensive rugby coverage. This includes the prestigious Investec Champions Cup. It will also show select EPCR Challenge Cup matches. Premier Sports has secured broadcast rights for these major club competitions. These rights allow the service to offer a comprehensive package.
Furthermore, the service will include live broadcasts of select Six Nations matches. Specifically, Canadian viewers can expect coverage of five live games in 2026. These matches will feature Scotland and Wales. This is a significant addition for international rugby fans. The channel also plans to stream every match of the U20 Six Nations. In addition, it will offer coverage of the inaugural Nations Championship tournaments. The company also holds rights for extensive southern hemisphere rugby union content. This includes SANZAAR international tour matches and Super Rugby Pacific.
Premier Sports: A Growing Rugby Hub
Premier Sports is not new to extensive rugby coverage. The broadcaster has established itself as a major player in the UK and Ireland. It already holds rights to other key rugby competitions. These include the United Rugby Championship (URC) and France’s Top 14 league. In the United Kingdom, Premier Sports also broadcasts the Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup. This focus on rugby aims to make Premier Sports a central destination for fans. The company is looking to become the premier home for rugby in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This Canadian launch signifies an international commitment to the sport. It reflects growing rugby interest globally.
Canadian Rugby Market Landscape
Rugby union is a sport with a dedicated following in Canada. It shows strong participation rates in various provinces. However, spectator support has historically trailed behind Canadian football. The launch of Premier Sports’ OTT service targets this growing interest. It provides Canadian fans with easier access to elite rugby content. Previously, options for live broadcasts of these specific tournaments in Canada were more fragmented. Some matches might have been available on platforms like FloRugby or DAZN. However, a dedicated service offers a more consolidated experience. This move also places Premier Sports in competition with other sports broadcasters in Canada. Many sports news outlets are covering this development.
Background of Premier Sports
Premier Sports began its journey in 2009. Irish entrepreneur Michael O’Rourke founded the company. He previously co-led Setanta Sports. Premier Sports initially focused on broadcasting niche and high-profile sports content. The company has experienced ownership changes. Swedish streaming service Viaplay Group acquired Premier Sports in 2022. However, in early 2024, O’Rourke’s TDL Media repurchased the UK and Ireland operations. This allowed the network to relaunch independently under its original branding. Premier Sports is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Its primary focus remains live broadcasts of premium international sports events. The company has a track record of securing significant broadcast rights.
Service Availability and Future Outlook
The new Premier Sports OTT service in Canada aims to provide a seamless viewing experience. It will likely offer live streaming and on-demand content. This is typical for modern streaming platforms. The exact subscription details and pricing for the Canadian service are expected soon. This expansion into Canada marks a strategic step for Premier Sports. It aims to capitalize on the trending popularity of rugby. The service will bring trending news and coverage to Canadian rugby enthusiasts. It positions Premier Sports as a key provider of live rugby action in the North American market. The United Kingdom’s passion for sports broadcasting is evident in this global move.
