Media Advisory
23 September 2019, 1.10pm
Update on Spark Sport streaming issue
Following technical investigations overnight and this morning, Spark Sport is making configuration changes to the way
the video stream comes into New Zealand. We believe this will resolve the video quality issues experienced by some
customers intermittently during the All Blacks v South Africa match last night. These configuration changes will be
implemented prior to today’s matches, which commence with Italy v Namibia from 4.45pm.
Spark will simulcast all of today’s Rugby World Cup coverage free-to-air on TVNZ DUKE so our customers can have full
confidence they will be able to enjoy the matches tonight. We are confident Spark Sport will provide a good experience
tonight, but if customers for any reason are unhappy with their stream, they will have the opportunity to watch on TVNZ
DUKE. This is in line with the commitment we made prior to the tournament to have established procedures in place via
our partner TVNZ to provide an alternative means of watching matches should there be any concerns with Spark Sport’s
streaming service.
Customers who feel unhappy with their viewing experience of the All Blacks v South Africa pool match pass can receive a
refund: customers who purchased an All Blacks vs South Africa Match Pass can receive a full refund; those who purchased
a Tournament Pass and wish to leave the service can also receive a full refund; and those who wish to carry on with the
service, can receive a partial 15% refund of their Tournament Pass price. Unhappy customers who have activated a Spark
Sport subscription via a voucher code can also receive a full or partial refund.
TVNZ DUKE is available on channel 13 or DUKE on Sky channel 23. Note that tonight’s matches will not be available
through the TVNZ website or TVNZ OnDemand app.