Local ad tech company VeNA, and RugbyPass have signed an exclusive reseller partnership covering New Zealand and Australia. RugbyPass has a focus on original content to entertain and inform the 120 million global rugby fans, in addition to delivering visible, effective media and creative solutions to brands.
Across Asia and parts of Europe, RugbyPass is the exclusive digital rights holder and OTT broadcaster for live rugby, including Super Rugby, The Rugby Championship and Autumn Internationals.
Although the live streaming is not available in New Zealand or Australia, RugbyPass' global team of rugby personalities, sports journalists and commentators are producing rapid and scalable content including features, articles, videos and podcasts, attracting growing numbers of NZ and Australian audiences who are avid rugby fans.
In addition, RugbyPass' global match centre allows fans to follow game stats in real time when they don't have access to the live broadcast, and its fantasy gaming products aim to provide engagement for thousands of users.
The RugbyPass platform consists of an interconnected network of rugby websites, and social pages catering to different fan groups and geos.
VeNA general manager NZ Toni Knowles says, “We are excited to kick off 2018 with this announcement.
“This partnership further strengthens our premium sports category, is a strong media brand with NZ connections at its core, and has an exciting roadmap focused on the evolving needs of the global rugby audience.
In April 2016, Discovery Communications acquired a minority stake in RugbyPass to provide greater access to content on more screens.
RugbyPass CEO Richard North says, “The New Zealand and Australian rugby audience is hugely important to us and provides exciting and engaging opportunities for brands.
“We recognise the importance of having a locally focused sales partner to lead and manage the relationships with agencies and their brands.
“With Super Rugby action starting on the 17th February and new seasons of our various original video formats kicking off again, our traffic and engagement across New Zealand and Australia build considerably, making it an opportune time for brands to get involved.