ESPN and TSN to broadcast Super Rugby Aotearoa

North American rugby fans will have a chance to watch Super Rugby Aotearoa beginning this weekend. Confusion over the rights regarding the impromptu competition featuring only the five New Zealand teams has now been resolved. ESPN will broadcast in the USA and South America, with TSN showing the games in Canada.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the suspension of the Super Rugby season in March. With New Zealand ahead of other countries in reducing their active cases of the disease to zero, the decision was made to compete internally with no restrictions on crowd size effective immediately.

Among the top story lines is the return of All Blacks legend Dan Carter for the first time since 2015. Instead of his former team the Crusaders, however, the 38-year-old will play alongside World Cup star Beauden Barrett at the Blues.

There are two North American internationals competing with Eagles flanker Tony Lamborn also at the Blues and Canada captain Tyler Ardron in his final run with the Chiefs before moving to France. Former Colorado Raptors No8 Murphy Taramai plays for the Hurricanes.

Specific channels are still to be confirmed though Round 2 is currently listed on the TSN 2 schedule. Previous Super Rugby matches have been available on ESPN+, ESPN Sur, and TSN Go. Kickoff times for the 10-week tournament are below.

[EDIT: The opening week is now listed as TSN 2.]

[EDIT 2: ESPN+ has now been confirmed for USA games.]