The IRFU has unveiled a new streaming platform which will deliver gam,es across a range of competitions to viewers and supporters.

Cork based Wiistream are the new provider for the the platform, which will be known as IrishRugby+.

The partnership has come about through the IRFU’s innovation programme with Enterprise Ireland and is a great example of how the relationship can foster genuine mutual benefit.

IrishRugby+ will stream selected games for free from both the Men’s and Women’s divisions of the Energia All Ireland Leagues as well as carry additional games such as the upcoming Emerging Ireland tour.

It will also provide links to additional Club streams that are made available to them on a weekly basis, in an effort to promote and publicise as many games as possible.

Wiistream was part of a Round Table event we hosted with investors and sporting bodies from Ireland and Indiana ahead of this year’s One-Zero Conference in Dublin.

We reported earlier this year on their collaborative alliance with US Youth Soccer (USYS), the largest youth sports organisation in the United States.

The collaboration will see Wiistream explore streaming and content solutions for USYS, to enhance the sports experience for young athletes across the USA.

Wiistream is a previous participant of the US Techstars accelerator programme and has the backing of Enterprise Ireland and US Venture Capital firm Elevate Ventures.

Having started life streaming GAA matches for fans during Covid-19, the company, with its US headquarters in Indianapolis, has since secured significant international breakthrough deals, including contracts with The Big3 and the World Baseball Softball Confederation.

This deal with Irish Rugby is another statement of inbtent on their growth path.

“As we embark on a new season of Club rugby it is vital that we continue to invest in promoting and enhancing our coverage of the Energia All Ireland Leagues,” said Aoife Clarke, IRFU Communication Director.

“We are delighted to work with Wiistream to develop Irish Rugby+ and are looking forward to growing the service over the coming years. It is very apt that we take this step in our 150th year, where we reflect and celebrate the journey and contribution rugby has made, with a focus on how we can continue to grow the game in the future.”

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the IRFU to launch ‘Irish Rugby+,” added Patrick Magee, CEO at Wiistream.

“This collaboration will significantly enhance access to the domestic game and enabling supporters to engage with Club rugby like never before.”

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to Scott Walker from the IRFU and Keith Brock at Enterprise Ireland for their pivotal roles in bringing this initiative to life through the Enterprise Ireland and IRFU Technology Innovation Programme.”

“This is a landmark moment for Irish rugby, and we are excited to be at the forefront of its digital future.”

“Wiistream’s commercial deal with the IRFU, arising from the IRFU and Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Innovation Programme is hugely significant,” said Keith Brock, Senior Development Adviser for SportsTech at Enterprise Ireland.

“Through the programme, the IRFU has embraced Enterprise Ireland client technology to advance the game and the partnership has provided an invaluable opportunity for Irish sports tech companies, to test, validate and scale their innovations, working with teams across the organisation, including the national squad.”

“And the IRFU and Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Innovation Programme is set to continue for another season 2024/ 2025.”

Fans can access games for free by registering on IrishRugby+. The selected livestream this week sees reigning Energia Women’s All Ireland League champions UL Bohemians away to Blackrock at 5pm on Saturday.

Keep an eye on the Sport for Business Rolling Guide to Live Sport on TV and Streaming to stay on top of the explosion of streaming content across Irish sport.

 

 

 

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