SYDNEY, Dec 17 (Reuters) – The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has signed off on a massive increase in its share of broadcasting rights for the Super Rugby competition and international matches after announcing a five-year agreement worth A$285 million ($206.23 million).
The figure was a 148 percent increase on revenue achieved from previous media rights arrangements, the ARU said in a statement on Thursday.
The agreement, which runs from 2016-20, is the ARU’s share of a wider broadcasting rights package still being finalised by the governing body SANZAR, which will expand to include Argentina next year.
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The agreement with subscription broadcaster Fox Sports includes a deal with Channel 10 for Wallabies test matches while the free-to-air broadcaster will also get delayed replay rights for selected Super Rugby games.