ESPN Africa Brings French TOP 14 Rugby to African Screens
Elite European club rugby kicks off on screens across sub-Saharan Africa this weekend
ESPN Africa Brings French TOP 14 Rugby to African Screens – ESPN Africa has confirmed the acquisition of broadcast rights to France’s iconic TOP 14. This, widening the range of elite club rugby for fans across sub-Saharan Africa.
TOP 14 broadcasts give viewers a front-row seat to the passion, rivalry and weekly drama that define the French game. This will air across both ESPN (DStv 218, StarSat 248) and ESPN2 (DStv 219, StarSat 249). It can also be viewed on both linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa.
The action kicks off this Saturday 18 April with no less than three match-ups including Stade Rochelais vs Union Bordeaux Bègles (14:30 on ESPN 2), Aviron Bayonnais vs Section Paloise (16:35 on ESPN 2) and Castres Olympique vs Stade Toulousain (21:00 on ESPN 2). Sunday 19 April sees Racing 92 take on Stade Français Paris at 21:00 CAT on ESPN 2, making for a weekend full of exhilarating rugby action.
A strong South African presence
The league features a strong South African presence, with Springbok forward Jean-Luc du Preez as well as Arno Botha and Nico Janse van Rensburg, adding local interest and familiar faces for African audiences following the action.
ESPN will air four live matches every week, showcasing the standout fixtures from each round alongside six playoff matches per season. All games will be broadcast with English commentary and graphics, allowing audiences to fully follow the narrative of the competition as it unfolds from round one through to the decisive moments.
A league built on rivalry and pride
The TOP 14 carries a distinct rhythm that sets it apart. Packed stadiums and fierce local rivalries define the league. Its uncompromising style of play makes it a favourite among rugby fans worldwide. The league brings together established international stars and homegrown talent. This mix creates contests that feel personal and hard-earned every week.
ESPN Africa’s coverage will allow fans to follow the league in depth.
The 2025 to 2026 season broadcasts will include 36 regular season matches and six playoff games. The 2026 to 2027 and 2027 to 2028 seasons will each feature 104 regular season fixtures. Each will also include six playoff encounters. The consistent weekly coverage draws viewers into the ebb and flow of the competition. Momentum can shift quickly. Every result matters.
Widening the breadth of ESPN Africa’s sports offering
TOP 14 Rugby joins ESPN Africa’s robust rugby offering that including the Springbok dominated Japan Rugby League One. Furthermore, this latest addition builds on the wide range of sporting codes already available across the ESPN channels. Including basketball, baseball, football, hockey, American football and more.
“We are delighted to welcome the TOP 14 French Rugby League to the ESPN Africa offering. Fans and experts consider the TOP 14 the leading domestic rugby competition globally. We are excited to offer our audiences the very best in European rugby competition. This, alongside our wide breadth of premier sports programming.” ~ Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa.
“This agreement with ESPN Africa marks an important step in the international growth of the TOP 14. It will give more fans across a major rugby region the opportunity to experience the intensity, passion and unique identity of French professional rugby.”~ Yann Roubert, President of the Ligue Nationale de Rugby.
