Grassroots rugby to be aired on TV
The amount of broadcast coverage of women’s sport on television is frequently cited as a barrier to engagement.
Kwatsaduza – Grassroots women’s rugby will finally be aired on the national broadcaster.
This has been made possible through the sponsorship agreement between Mastercard and SABC to broadcast exclusive women’s grassroots rugby content to ignite an interest in the game.
The sponsorship aims to increase the television coverage of women’s grassroots rugby and expand on the continued focus on gender-balanced marketing.
The SABC will televise a weekly women’s rugby programme called Women’s Rugby Round-up, a 15-minute programme set to run over 16 weeks.
Aired on Sundays on SABC 2 at 12:30, the programme content includes highlights from the Mastercard Women’s Pirates Grand Challenge and Mastercard Golden Lions Women in their first division league matches, as well as the key behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with players, coaches, referees and other stakeholders.
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The aim is to highlight the importance of uplifting the status of women’s grassroots rugby and to take the necessary steps to help level the playing field for women’s rugby.
Gary Rathbone, head of sport at SABC, said despite the significant growth in the sport, there is a need for education that challenges the perceptions around the women who play the game.
The amount of broadcast coverage of women’s sport on television is frequently cited as a barrier to engagement.
“Women’s sport is the cornerstone of the SABC sport content proposition and showing women’s rugby every weekend on our platforms is an exciting part of that strategy,” said Rathbone.
“As the national broadcaster, we reach millions of South Africans across the country, and we know this show can inspire South African women everywhere to become part of this exciting game.”
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Chanel Alberts, head coach of Pirates Woman’s Rugby Club, explained when the Jozi Women’s Cup Tournament started in 2017 there were only four teams participating. Today the tournament will see 12 teams compete for the champion position.
“This highlights that more women are now interested in participating in sport as they appreciate the support and recognition.
“Having the sport broadcasted on national television will inspire more women to take part and continue growing women sports,” she added.
“Women’s rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and Mastercard has been a long-time partner and sponsor at global and local levels,” said Suzanne Morel, country manager at Mastercard, South Africa.
“Over the years, we have supported grassroots women’s rugby in various forms, and this sponsorship is an additional commitment that highlights our continued faith in the sport.
“The sponsorship will heighten women’s voices, highlight their challenges and bring together partners to engage in conversations that will encourage positive change.”
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