Sportsnet World discontinues airing European/UK Rugby

We, the Undersigned; Rugby Supporters, Fans, Players, Media, and Grass-Roots Team in Canada, hereby protest and wish to have noted that the decision to discontinue airing Aviva Premiership and the Pro 12 Rugby Championships on Sportsnet World is not only a bad decision, but one that will negatively impact the continued growth, expansion and interest within Canada at a crucial time.

One year from now the Rugby World Cup will be held in the United Kingdom. Our own Rugby Canada team was the first Tier Two team to qualify for this prestigious cup. Furthermore, we have several professional rugby players who also play at the International level for their country; many of these players are on teams that we have just lost access to at this critical time.

We are trying to encourage the growth of Rugby in Canada and feel extremely disuaded by the almighty dollar. It is a shame that the powers that be have made the decision to either discontinue the rights for it to be aired for us or do not feel we are a lucrative enough market. Canada is a growing market and many supporters within Canada also enjoy RUGBY UNION from other leagues as well.

Canada wants accessible Rugby. We want to watch our professionals. We want to grow the game.

We ask for reconsideration of this decision.

#RugbyUnited