SuperSport has agreed to waive the Super Rugby, Currie Cup and Springbok radio broadcast rights fees for the SABC.

This follows the national broadcaster’s statement that it was unlikely to produce live radio broadcasts of the tournament due to financial challenges.

‘Frankly, it wasn’t a difficult discussion,’ SuperSport chief executive Gideon Khobane said. ‘We know and understand the realities of South Africa. Once [SA Rugby president Mark] Alexander asked, we were happy to come to an arrangement.’

Alexander thanked SuperSport for this significant gesture.

‘They have worked with us and the SABC to find a solution to keep rugby on the radio airwaves and the waiving of the rights fee to which they are entitled is a significant step in that process.

‘The fear that rugby commentary might no longer be a feature of our listening experience is a very real and a very worrying one and I’d like to commend SuperSport for the leadership they have shown in this matter.

‘I trust that the SABC will now be able to reassure listeners that rugby commentary on Super Rugby, Currie Cup and Springbok Test matches will be a feature of their 2018 schedules.’