Sydney University's Guy Porter celebrates after winning back-to-back Shute Shield titles.Credit:Brook Mitchell
The Seven Network currently broadcasts one live Shute Shield match per week,on 7TWO. The deal they have is in conjunction with Club Rugby TV,which is owned by Nick Fordham and John Murray,and runs until the end of 2024.
The terms of the deal state the SRU must pay $250,000 to the Seven Network for broadcasting and advertising as well as $50,000 to Club Rugby TV for production costs. It is a heavy financial burden just to get its product on television,but Fox Sports have come to the party with an offer many in clubland believe is too good to be true.
It can be revealed that the head of Fox Sports,Peter Campbell,put forward a proposal last month for the pay-TV network to broadcast the match of the round live on a Fox Sports channel and stream every other game on a Saturday live on Kayo Sports,with dedicated camera crews at each suburban venue. The associated production costs would be significant.
All finals matches would be broadcast on the main channel,while the match of the day would be shown on 7TWO or 7MATE on delay in order to maintain the competition’s free-to-air exposure.
The Manly and Warringah derby is always a big event on the club rugby calendar.Credit:Karen Watsoj
The five-year proposal would need to be approved by the NSW Rugby board,which works closely with the SRU. There is no timeline on when a decision may be made.
For weaker clubs with little exposure,the chance to have matches broadcast on Kayo is enticing. As part of its proposal,Fox Sports would take care of the $300,000 fee the SRU has been paying to Seven and Club Rugby TV under the existing deal. Club Rugby TV has also guaranteed the SRU $200,000 per annum in sponsorship revenue.