NEWS: Overnight figures from the first four rounds of the United Rugby Championship has indicated yet another increase in broadcast audiences for the league.
The year-on-year comparisons indicates a 10 percent growth in total audience over the first four rounds of the 2024/5 season in comparison to the same amount of rounds last season – with two big South African clashes from Round One still in hand.
Viewership has surged in the Republic of Ireland with average live match viewing figures up by 129 percent and 44 percent by two respective broadcasters in comparison to last season.
In the UK there has been a 119 percent, 22 percent and 13 percent increase in viewership numbers across three broadcasters while in Italy and South Africa the numbers also increased by double digits.
With consolidated data still to come, an increase in these figures is expected and follows on from three consecutive seasons of stellar growth in URC audiences.
In 2022 the league recorded a new record high of 34.6 million, this has been surpassed in the two seasons that followed with a figure of 37.2 million recorded for the 2022/23 season and then 47.7 million for the 2023/24 campaign.
Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, said: “Just like our teams, we are just as keen to start the season strong and it’s clear that fans of the URC know that right from the beginning every game counts.
“We take great pride in how the URC brand and positioning has been received in the last number of years, but it is the competitiveness and incredible quality that our teams and their world-class players display on the pitch week in and week out that has lifted the league to new heights.
“Across five territories we also have our trusted stable of broadcast partners who showcase these fascinating clashes and add their own personality and innovation to game day.
“It’s a fantastic formula that we hope will continue to deliver for the league and its fans.”
