MEDIA STATEMENT

SABC SPORT ADDS THE FRENCH TOP 14 TO A MOUTH-WATERING SPORTS WEEKEND LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Johannesburg - Thursday, 07 January 2021 - The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), through its sports channel, SABC Sport, has acquired the free-to-air rights to The French Top 14, which will be aired in an unmissable sporting extravaganza this weekend.

Following the world-class coverage of the Protea’s resounding win against Sri Lanka in the Cricket Test series, SABC Sport will present top-class end-to-end live sporting action, in a weekend dubbed “The Unmissable 8”.

Last year, SABC Sport announced the acquisition of the FA Cup, Bundesliga and the FA Women’s Super League, which all have been well received by the audiences since premiering on the SABC platforms, reaching impressive viewership ratings. This weekend, SABC Sport will add The French Top 14 rugby tournament to its impressive sports properties, which will kick-off live on the SABC Network this Friday.

The French Top 14 is a professional rugby union club competition played in France and is regarded as one of the best club championships in the world. Apart from featuring some of the best players from around the world, the Top 14 is also home to over 50 current and former Springboks currently plying their trade in Europe, including World Cup winners such as Francois Steyn, Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe and Handre Pollard.

SABC Sport General Manager, Gary Rathbone added, “The acquisition of the Top 14 means we can bring live world-class rugby to our viewers that features some of the world’s best players. This is a fantastic acquisition adding to our already impressive line-up of live international and local sport that includes the PSL, The FA Cup, Bafana, SAFA Women’s League, the German Bundesliga and the FA Women’s Super League. Our audiences and trade partners will have a one-of-kind viewing experience this weekend as we bring all these matches live to millions of South African on our TV, Radio and digital streaming platforms. A total of 8 live sporting events across the three (3) days will be available, subscription free. Now that’s what I call an unmissable SABC Sport super weekend.”

The sporting extravaganza will kick-off on Friday night on SABC 3 with the most anticipated clash of the 3rd Round of the FA Cup when Aston Villa FC hosts Liverpool FC.

On Saturday, the live-action line up starts at 14h00 with the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Everton vs Rotherham United on the SABC Sport DTT channel or watch the Livestream on the SABC Sport Online portal, before fans can choose to move onto either the DStv Premiership match of the weekend between TS Galaxy and Supersport United on SABC 1, the Bundesliga clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen on SABC 3, or head over to SABC 2 where our premier French Top 14 Rugby showcase will feature Racing 92 vs La Rochelle. And then everyone can head back to SABC 1 on Saturday evening at 21h30 to wrap up the day with an intriguing clash between giants Manchester United and the always exciting Watford.

But that’s not where it ends. On Sunday, Everton takes on Manchester United Women in a FA Women’s League game starting at 14h30 exclusively live on the SABC Sport DTT Channel or the SABC Sport Online portal, while the Men’s FA Cup action continues on SABC 3 at 15h30 when last year’s FA Cup finalists Chelsea, take on Morecambe.

Below is the detailed broadcast schedule:

More updates will be available on @sportatsabc on twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

ENDS

Issued by: Group Communications

Media Enquiries:       Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Spokesperson)

seapolelomv@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 |C. 073 688 1590