Super Rugby side ACT Brumbies will become the first Super Rugby team to launch its own free-to-air TV show next week as the club "attempts to engage fans and boost its stagnated membership drive," according to Chris Dutton of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD.
In a move designed to break into a new market that has eluded Australian rugby, the Brumbies "locked in a deal with Network Ten to have a weekly slot on One HD for the Super Rugby season."
It comes as the Brumbies "fight to attract new members, with sign-ups slowing at less than 7,000 a week before the season begins."
Brumbies CEO Michael Jones said that "the target remained to break 11,000 members by the end of the year." The Brumbies will take over TV next week, with three stations "airing programs in the build-up to their round-one clash."
Stephanie Brantz "has been recruited as the host of Brumbies TV, while Fox Sports will air The Code over four nights after coach Stephen Larkham opened the doors for behind-the-scenes access."
Brumbies player David Pocock "will feature on a two-part Australian Story: True Grit series from Monday."
The Brumbies "are one of the only professional sports team in Australia to have their own show" on free-to-air TV (SMH, 2/18).
