Rugby Union ditched for Soccer on US tv

[Copa]

This doesn't look good at all for RU (same goes for RL) on US TV. Will it be shown as just a highlight package?? Dramatically less games shown?? Where to now? Other reports have said some RU and RL will continue to be shown... but probably bugger all games compared to how it has been.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/richard_deitsch/01/14/circus.fri/

Soccer in America received a major infusion of accessibility this week when Fox Sports World announced it would morph into the Fox Soccer Channel come February. (The formal ceremony will come during a 30-second spot on Fox's Super Bowl pregame show on Feb. 6; the revamped network begins broadcasting at 12:01 a.m. Feb. 7.) With 85 percent of Fox Sports World's programming already soccer-based, the network decided to ditch Aussie Rules Football, darts, rugby and concentrate on the world's most popular sport.

 

[taipan]

Whilst soccer will never take over NFL in the states,its sure making progress amongst the youngsters,with the soccer mums.
Bad news for union as well as league unfortunately.

 

[Copa]

I wonder when coverage of RU and RL will reduce?? Once the TV contracts/deal etc start to come up?? Straight away?? Keep coverage but only "key" games?

 

[playdaball]

Copa

R U THERE

 

[Copa]

Copa

R U THERE

YEP.. am currently in cyberspace.

 

[CanadianSteve]

This is not good. FSW's weekly ru games, picked up on Canada's Spotsnet, were my only chance to see S12 and 3N games.

 

[rugged]

Is there anywhere to write to? Fox Sports?

 

[Copa]

I've read elsewhere they will still show some games... as to how many... or how long for.. will coverage slowly decrease??? Less live games??

 

[CanadianSteve]

I emailed Sportsnet, the Canadian network that carries FSW's weekly rugby game a day later. Until recently that is.

I got this reply: Hello Steve,

"Thank you for your recent email. We are currently in negotiations to add some rugby later in the year. Once a deal is finalized, we will add the details to our website. Unfortunately, this will not include the Super 12s. No matter what, we will continue to be the home of Canada's national rugby team. Our apologies that we are unable to assist you further."

Sincerely
Jim LaChapelle
Audience Relations

What a bummer. For the last few years I've been able to watch 1 S12 game per week, followed by the 3N and international matched from the SH only. A few years ago they also showed Enlish club games and some 6N, but recently it was only games from the SH. Now it's no games at all.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Steve, are you able to view the NRL games on the Telstra video gallery? Not as good quality as TV, but better than nothing.

 

[CanadianSteve]

I have looked at them when I think of it, but I don't do it regularly. Can you post a link to that please Spacey, so I'll remember to watch more often. Thanks.

 

[Copa]

http://www.nrl.com/multimedia/telstravideo.cfm the website is changing in a few weeks so the link may (also may not) change.

In the meantime enjoy the massive range available here including internationals.

 

[rugged]

I'm going to watch the Cowboys Roosters prelim final as I was OS and missed it.

 

[Copa]

Is there an equivalent site showing RU matches? Maybe our Canadian buddy would like that also.

 

[Polynesian Warrior]

here you can watch Total Rugby TV

The table below shows the territories and the stations that are broadcasting the IRB's Total Rugby TV programme.

Territory Broadcaster Reach
Canada Fox 800,000
France Eurosport 6,367,000
Georgia TV & Radio Broadcasting 1,224,000
India Ten Sports 25,000,000
Italy Sport Italia 18,000,000
In-flight Cathay Pacific
Middle East Fox 623,111
Middle East Showtime 250,000
Poland Polsat 1,400,000
Romania Tv Sport 2,400,000
Serbia/Montenegro TV Krusevac 2,000,000
South Africa Supersport 1,269,000
Spain Canal+ 1,900,000
United Kingdom Sky Sports 11,145,000

 

[Copa]

I like the figure for Middle East Fox --- 623,111 -- they forgot to round it to 623,000 or 624,000 ;-)

 

[CanadianSteve]

Is there an equivalent site showing RU matches? Maybe our Canadian buddy would like that also.

Yes, I would. Anyone?