In a blow to rugby followers in South Africa, it has been confirmed that the SABC is not going to be broadcasting the upcoming World Cup.

SuperSport introduced a failure to achieve an settlement with the SABC for the sub-licensing of broadcast rights to the highly-anticipated 2023 Rugby World Cup, which will get beneath manner on Friday.

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That is regardless of months of negotiations and a number of allegedly cheap proposals put ahead by SuperSport, all of which had been rejected by the SABC.

“SuperSport is disenchanted that it has not reached an settlement with the SABC for the sub-licensing of broadcast rights to the 2023 Rugby World Cup regardless of SuperSport having made numerous proposals to the SABC on cheap industrial phrases,” a press release from the pay channel learn.

“SuperSport has approached these discussions in good religion, reflecting its real dedication to the nation’s rugby fans. It has used its finest efforts to conclude a good and commercially viable settlement. Regrettably, all proposals made by SuperSport have been declined by the SABC.”

The setback means that there’s a critical concern across the accessibility of the World Cup to most people in South Africa, as many locals are unable to afford a DSTV subscription and are counting on the general public broadcaster to safe the broadcasting rights.

With per week to go till the Springboks begin the hunt to retain the Webb Ellis Cup towards Scotland, South Africans should hope {that a} decision might be reached.

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Photograph: EPA/NIC BOTHMA