The 2017 Intrust Super Shute Shield is shaping to be the strongest in the famous competition’s history and not just on the field.
Since switching to 7TWO in 2015, the Intrust Super Shute Shield broadcast is now ensuring the once very proud Sydney Rugby Union can stand on its own financially and commercially and be completely independent.
In 2017 the Intrust Super Shute Shield will be broadcasted LIVE into NSW on 7TWO and 7Prime, delayed broadcast on 7TWO into Queensland and LIVE into New Zealand on the Rugby Channel as the curtain raiser for Super Rugby.
Richard Last from New Zealand’s SKY Sport says, “SKY Sport is delighted to bring the Intrust Super Shute Shield to Rugby Channel subscribers in New Zealand for the very first time. There’s genuine interest in the competition, and we’re excited for the season to kick off! Good luck to all of the teams involved.”
Broadcast rights holder Nick Fordham, who with business partner John Murray, have made the weekly television coverage possible said, “With the incredible support of foundation sponsors like Intrust Super, Canon, Bang & Olufsen and Fujitsu who remain valuable contributors, the Intrust Super Shute Shield is extremely proud to welcome our newest partner Charter Hall to the fold,”
“Without sponsors our broadcast is not possible and without a broadcast every club would not be in the position they are in to add significant value to current sponsors and attract new ones.”
“Companies are seeing the value of connecting at grass roots and investing in club rugby which is rich with tribalism and community. On behalf of every club I want to thank our commercial partners and our broadcaster the Seven Network (7TWO) who have believed in us from day one. We have had and continue to face hurdles but in 2015, when we were the only ones there to step up and make this happen by personally underwriting the broadcast with our own money, I guess makes you work a little harder to make this happen and ensure it’s successful,” said Fordham.
Sydney Rugby Union President David Begg said, “We are delighted to confirm the 7Two coverage for 2017. The Shute Shield competition remain the number one club rugby competition in the world and we are delighted to be able to showcase it as the only free to air rugby offering that is presently broadcast. We are also delighted at the innovations that CRTV have planned for 2017, including taking the game into NZ, and taking at least one coverage into regional NSW. It promises to be a great season.”
In season 2017, the focus is squarely on the regional community with Round 4 Grand Final replay between Northern Suburbs and Sydney University in Bowral and Round 7 clash when Eastern Suburbs take on Gordon in Orange both LIVE on 7TWO.
“Our ratings show we have plenty of fans in the bush and so many great young players come to Sydney to play rugby. I want to thank the team at Gordon and the community in Orange who have worked together with Easts to show what grass roots rugby is all about” said John Murray.
Community Round and Women in Sport Rounds will be launched this year and have been the driving force of new sponsor Charter Hall. Charter Hall will also host the 2017 Intrust Super Shute Shield Season launch on Wednesday, March 29, in Sydney.
Media partners in 2017 to help promote the competition and broadcast will be ESPN, oOh Media!, Drive.com.au and radio partner Nova 96.9.
Keep up to date with all information via Facebook and Instagram.
-ENDS-
Media enquires or interviews please contact:
Hamish Birt, General Manager, Club Rugby TV
Email – [email protected]
Mobile – 0448 928 187