England’s summer Test against Japan will not be televised and will instead be broadcast on a streaming website.
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Prop Joe Marler criticised the decision, calling its claims of appealing to new fans as “dross.”
Unable to secure a deal with traditional TV channels, the rights for the match were acquired by RugbyPass TV, a streaming service that will offer the Test match for free online via their website and app. RugbyPass has been owned by World Rugby since 2022.
The fixture is set for 6:50 am on June 22 and marks the first-ever Test match between England and Japan to be played in Japan, with England facing their former head coach Eddie Jones.
RugbyPass, in a statement, said the deal “reflects World Rugby’s ongoing strategic commitment to broaden rugby’s audience,” to which Marler responded on X: “It’s dross!”
He has since deleted his comment.
England Rugby Marketing Director Ewan Turney said: “This is an exciting partnership with World Rugby to enable all fans in the UK and Ireland to watch this historic match for free.
“We know that younger audiences are gravitating towards streaming platforms and fans are watching matches on a multitude of devices so we have chosen this free to air route.”
Joe Marler’s rugby sh**list includes former England teammate
England prop Joe Marler is never afraid of sharing an opinion or two – especially when it’s about someone he doesn’t particularly like.
#1. Sir Clive Woodward
Woodward tore apart Eddie Jones’ side during a webinar, slamming Marler and fellow prop Dan Cole for their behaviour in a press conference prior to the loss against South Africa back in November. This wasn’t the first time the 2003 World Cup-winning coach called out the prop.
After reading an article on the Rugby Pass website highlighting Woodward’s comments, he tweeted him directly, saying: “Change the record Sir Clive – you should be grateful you can ‘milk the cow’ for another 3 years.”