Vodacom URC Extends FloRugby Partnership to 2027, Boosting U.S. Rugby Coverage

FloRugby

The Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) has extended its broadcast partnership with FloSports, ensuring that American rugby fans can continue to stream every game live on FloRugby through to 2027.

The deal guarantees coverage of all 151 matches per season — from the opening round to the Grand Final — as the URC cements its place on a U.S. platform already established as a hub for international club rugby. FloRugby’s portfolio also features the EPCR competitions, Super Rugby, and Premiership Rugby, providing American audiences with access to over 1,000 matches each season.

To enhance the experience, FloRugby will complement live match coverage with extensive reporting, social media programming, and the launch of a new live original show, Athlete’s Lounge. The show will bring fans closer to the game with appearances from star players, expert analysis, and guest interviews.

Since first streaming the league in the PRO14 era, FloRugby has become the go-to destination for U.S. fans of the URC. The new extension underlines the league’s commitment to consistency and visibility in one of rugby’s key growth markets.

URC CEO Martin Anayi hailed the deal as a milestone for American rugby audiences:

“This news means that fans in the United States will be able to continue watching the Vodacom URC on a platform that is familiar, reliable and totally dedicated to rugby. When it comes to building audiences in global territories, consistency is such a vital weapon and providing the same American home for our league for five straight years is very reassuring.”

He added that FloRugby’s focus on original content could help draw in new supporters:

“FloRugby’s rights acquisitions are a clear sign of how much they believe in rugby and in growing the game in the U.S. market. We’re excited to see how their fresh and innovative approach to non-live content will help drive even more interest in our games.”

Phil Wendler, EVP of Global Rights & Acquisition at FloSports, said the company is committed to making rugby central to its long-term plans:

“FloSports has made rugby a part of our long-term vision and we are doubling down on our investment in the sport. This partnership adds to a portfolio stacked with the most competitive and globally recognized leagues today. It also ushers in the opportunity for us to take a fresh perspective in covering the sport with the Athlete’s Lounge — so that we can entertain existing fans and reach new ones that we know are out there.”

The fifth season of the Vodacom URC kicks off on Friday, September 26, and fans in the U.S. will be able to watch every clash via FloRugby’s accessible streaming platforms. FloSports offers a Connected TV app compatible with Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV, with support for Samsung, Vizio, and LG Smart TVs set to roll out later this year. Mobile access is also available through the FloSports app on iOS and Android.

The URC continues to grow its global presence, combining clubs from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales in one of rugby’s most diverse and competitive tournaments. With over 175 million broadcast viewers and digital engagement approaching one billion video views, the league has rapidly become a global challenger brand in the sport.

For U.S. fans, the message is clear: from the first kick to the final whistle, the Vodacom URC will remain a staple on FloRugby for at least the next three years.