Now that Showmax is officially headed for the bins, new MultiChoice owners, Canal+, can’t afford any more missteps. Especially not one relating to its most valuable asset — sports broadcasting. SuperSport has long been one of the few providers of sports content in SA, available through DStv. Today, Canal+ confirmed that it held “fruitful and productive engagements” with Rugby SA this week, and that it would stick around on SuperSport.
Canal+ doubles down on rugby
The two entities came together in Randburg to host several “information-sharing sessions” to help each other understand their goals better. The end goal is to deliver the “best possible rugby viewing experience” for all, with the two discussing ways of bringing viewers “closer to the game”. We’re still light on details at the time of writing.
“With SA Rugby preparing to stage some of the most exciting rugby matches in history starting in 2026 – across Springbok men, women, junior teams, as well as sevens – the partnership with SuperSport – part of the CANAL+ Group, ensures that millions of rugby followers will get to participate in the excitement,” it wrote.
The best rugby experience, in our opinion, is one that won’t bankrupt the viewer. DStv has often been criticised for its high prices, particularly those guarding its sports content. Canal+ has already taken steps in the right direction, foregoing its annual DStv price hike to ensure its customers stick around while it steers the sinking ship away from the iceberg. That’s on top of the company dropping several barriers to entry for the DStv landscape.
“The robust and engaging discussions were aimed at ensuring that the viewer gets the ultimate rugby viewing experience, courtesy of this SuperSport partnership. We cannot wait for the viewers and DStv subscribers to experience all that we have in store this year, leading up to the Springboks’ title defence in Australia next year,” said Rendani Ramovha, CANAL+ director for sports content.
It’s a big year ahead for the SA rugby scene. The Nations Championship begins this July, which will see SA play England, Scotland, and Wales. A series of away tests will follow in November, with match-ups against Italy, Ireland, and France confirmed. The All Blacks will also tour the country, seeking showdowns against the Bulls, Stormers, and Sharks, as well as the Springboks. Either way, DStv is where it’s at.
