Numbers published today on the AllBlacks.com website suggest that Kiwi fans have enjoyed their Super Rugby – both live and on TV …
Total numbers of people at matches jumped 43 per cent from 2011, while the total broadcast audience on SKY is up by 25 per cent. Super Rugby attracted 3.1 million more viewers than 2011, while an extra 195 000 fans went through the turnstiles.
The big television audience expected for this weekend’s sold-out Final between the Chiefs and Sharks in Hamilton – the first Super Rugby Final on New Zealand soil since 2008 – will swell these numbers even further.
Last Friday’s clash between the Chiefs and Crusaders attracted a record television audience for a Super Rugby semi-final with 447 500 fans tuning in. Just over 135 000 also watched delayed coverage on Prime, meaning more than the combined population of Hamilton and Christchurch witnessed the match from home.
Which puts a little perspective on things … Because while over 990 000 people watched the Bulls vs Stormers game on SuperSport, South Africa quite clearly also has a much, much bigger pool of potential viewers to call on …
“Clearly, a successful Rugby World Cup has has played its part in re-igniting New Zealanders’ support for the game. Playing in front of bigger crowds across 40 New Zealand matches is something I know players have really enjoyed this year and it’s a real tribute to the loyalty fans have shown to their teams.” said NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew.
Broadcast and game attendance increases (2012 v 2011)
Blues
TV +31%
At game +4%
Chiefs
TV +115%
At game +126%
Hurricanes
TV +26%
At game +47%
Crusaders
TV +22%
At game +17%
Highlanders
TV +6%
At game +70%
TOTAL TV VIEWERSHIP +19%
TOTAL AT GAME +40%
