Rugby fans in Africa are set to experience expanded elite rugby viewing, as ESPN Africa has bolstered its portfolio by securing broadcasting rights to France’s TOP 14 league. This significant deal brings the intensity and prestige of French club rugby to fans across the continent via ESPN and ESPN2, with streaming on Disney+ in South Africa. The action is set to ignite on Saturday, April 18th, featuring a compelling lineup of matches, including Stade Rochelais vs. Union Bordeaux Bègles, Aviron Bayonnais vs. Section Paloise, and Castres Olympique vs. Stade Toulousain. The weekend’s rugby feast continues on Sunday, April 19th, with a showdown between Racing 92 and Stade Français Paris. The TOP 14 league is known for its passionate crowds, fierce local rivalries, and uncompromising style of play, consistently delivering thrilling contests between international stars and homegrown talent. ESPN Africa will broadcast four live matches weekly, alongside six playoff games per season, with extensive coverage planned for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 seasons.
In addition to the TOP 14, Major League Rugby (MLR) in the United States is also set to receive enhanced coverage through a new “Sunday Night Rugby” broadcast on ESPN+. This initiative aims to elevate the sport’s profile in the U.S. by combining in-studio analysis with high production values to offer a top-tier experience for both dedicated and new fans. The program will feature pre- and post-match shows hosted by former professional player Will Hooley, providing in-depth analysis and storytelling. The 2026 MLR season will include nine regular-season matches and one semifinal broadcast under the “Sunday Night Rugby” banner, with a select number of these games also airing on ESPN2.
While the Rugby Championship, a cornerstone of Southern Hemisphere rugby featuring powerhouses like South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina, will not be played in 2026, it is scheduled to return for the following three years. This hiatus is attributed to a packed international schedule, including a New Zealand tour of South Africa and the launch of World Rugby’s new Nations Championship. Despite the break in the Rugby Championship, ESPN continues to offer comprehensive rugby coverage, including the Six Nations tournament and the Japan Rugby League One, featuring a strong South African presence.
The growth of women’s rugby is also gaining momentum, with the 2026 Pacific Four Series scheduled to be hosted across the United States in Sacramento, Kansas City, and Chicago throughout April. This series will see the USA Women’s Eagles compete against Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, with ticket pre-sales beginning February 17th. The event follows a successful 2025 for USA Women’s Rugby, which saw a record attendance for a women’s rugby match between the USA and Canada.
