ARL secure new deal with Maori Television

ARL secure new deal with Maori Television

New Zealand’s premier club rugby league competition will once again be screened free to air in 2015, after Auckland Rugby League secured a new broadcast deal with Maori Television.

For a sixth straight year two selected games from the Appliance Shed Fox Memorial Premiership will be broadcast on Maori Television each week, throughout the second round of competition play.

ARL CEO John Ackland said the news was a positive start to the 2015 season.

“It’s great to be able to showcase our local game and homegrown talent to the rest of New Zealand and beyond for another year,” he said.

“This is an exciting start to the season for us, with a number of our premier players getting the chance to represent the Auckland Vulcans on a tour of the South Island in June, as well as the resurrection of a full Auckland representative side to play the New Zealand Maori.

“We will also introduce our new Club is the Hub partnership initiative, which offers financial rewards to clubs who help grow the game, as well as piloting weight-restricted and women’s nines tournaments.”

Maori Television general manager of programming, Haunui Royal, believed the coverage would add to what has been a huge year for rugby league in New Zealand.

“We are very pleased to once again be broadcasting the Appliance Shed Fox Memorial Premiership with the Auckland Rugby League,” he said.

“It has been a big 12 months for rugby league in New Zealand and our coverage of the Fox is a great way to connect with our grassroots audience.

“That connection is particularly strong with our Maori and Pacific audiences.”

Broadcast fixtures and times will be confirmed at a later date.

ENDS

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