Kiwis Can Now Watch Every Live Game of French Top 14 Rugby

For the First Time Ever Kiwis Can Now Watch Every Live Game of the Internationally Acclaimed French Top 14 Rugby

Today (24/11/14) Coliseum Sports Media (CSM) and the French National Rugby League (LNR) can announce that Kiwi rugby fans will now be able to watch every game of the French TOP 14, live, for the first time ever, through TOP14PASS.COM; a direct-to-customer service in New Zealand starting 29 November2014.

As a direct-to-consumer service, TOP14PASS.COMwill feature every game of the French TOP14 as well as review and highlight shows, live and on-demand streamed via Apple TVs, iOS and select Android phones and tablets as well as through PCs and MACs; or by consumers connecting laptops to the TV using an HDMI cable.

CSM - which has been broadcasting the Barclays English Premier League since 2013 and is due to begin exclusive broadcast of the PGA TOUR in January 2015 - will be again utilising its partnership with the worldwide leader in digital streaming NeuLion (who also globally streams the NBA, NFL and UFC) to deliver the French TOP14 content into New Zealand.

“The French TOP 14 is a match for Super Rugby in terms of quality, competitiveness and star power” says Tim Martin, CEO at CSM. “Toulon has been the Champion of Europe for the last two seasons and regularly plays to sold out stadiums. The French TOP14isdefinitely attracting the top international players out there and we think that will continue,due to the massive broadcasting deals being brokered and the huge crowds they are attracting to matches. This has resulted in the French TOP14 paying the biggest fees for players in world rugby and that’s attracting the best players from all over the world, including New Zealand.And that looks set to continue.” Tim Martin, explains.

Featuring some of the highest-paid players from 24 nations, including many recent All Blacks and current Springboks, CSM is looking forward to showcasing what is the strongest club competition in the world to the 90 percent of New Zealanders connected to broadband internet; and at a significantly reduced cost than currently available for viewing a limited number of live games.

Tim Martin, continues:
“The French TOP 14 includes 20 former All Blacks who take to the field weekly, such as - Ali Williams, Carl Hayman, Rene Ranger and Zac Guildford– and it looks like more will soon be following! In addition to such rugby thoroughbreds, a galaxy of sparkling talent like Bryan Habana, Thierry Dusautoir and Matt Giteau to name but a few – also help make the French TOP14 the EPL of world rugby!

“Kiwistherefore deserve to not only see the dazzling display of skills on offer, but to follow these giants of our game,live, and when they want to, as they continue on with theirstellar careers.”

Emmanuel Eschalier, CEO at LNR also agrees that Kiwi rugby fans deserve to devour every game of the French TOP 14:
“We are very excited to be partnering with CSM on the French TOP 14. New Zealand truly is the home of rugby but to be able to showcase our internationally acclaimed championship, to so many people in such an important country, is great for the competition”.

TOP14PASS.COM will be available to New Zealand rugby fans for the special introductory price of $49 for the remainder of the season, or $5 per month. The French TOP 14 runs from August 2014 – May 2015 with every club playing 26 games each during the regular season. Games will be in a mixture of English and French with the three best matches of each round presented in English and in HD.

Ends.

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