Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry has delivered a major financial boost for SA Rugby.
The inaugural four-Test series between the Springboks and All Blacks is reported to have generated more than R250-million for the governing body’s coffers.
The financial injection comes at an important time for SA Rugby, with the Boks set to play fewer home Tests in 2027 because of the World Cup, resulting in millions of rand less in broadcast-rights revenue from SuperSport.
KEO: Greatest Rivalry lived up to hype
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer told Rapport that the impact of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry went beyond what SA Rugby initially expected.
“When the concept was first discussed with New Zealand, we believed that the event had merit as a rugby occasion and one that would excite supporters in both countries.
“But I think it is fair to say that it exceeded our expectations in how quickly and decisively it attracted broader rugby attention and how successful it was as an event here in South Africa and in the USA.”
ALSO: SA Rugby makes call on Bok flyovers
The series culminated in Baltimore, where the fourth Test attracted the biggest crowd ever for a rugby match in America (68,173).
“A British & Irish Lions tour is a very special event with a history and a legacy that stretches back more than a century and is completely unique,” Oberholzer said.
“That said, we believe that Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry has already established itself as an important event on the global rugby calendar.”
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
