World Rugby HSBC SVNS finds a new TV home for Antoine Dupont’s debut

Antoine Dupont’s debut on the World Rugby HSBC SVNS scene is set to be televised in the United Kingdom and Ireland after TNT Sports wrapped up a two-year rights deal.

The contract includes “full linear and digital rights in the UK and Ireland for all HSBC SVNS events”, TNT Sports confirmed in a significant announcement on Tuesday.

In a timely move, the first live broadcast comes this coming weekend when Dupont makes his debut for France in Round Four of the series, in Vancouver on February 23.

Round Four opener

The deal runs until the end of the 2025 season and includes the Paris 2024 Olympics later this year, where Dupont will be desperate to win his country the Gold medal.

As mentioned, the World Rugby HSBC SVNS is already three rounds into its campaign and following the Vancouver stop of the series, the teams will head to Los Angeles.

Then the SVNS series will head to Hong Kong (April 5-7) before a stop in Singapore (May 3-5), culminating in the Grand Finale in Madrid, Spain from May 31 to June 2.

This season is extra special in that it also represents the first time both the men’s and women’s tournaments have parity at each and every round over the sevens season.

“In a historic year for the sport, we’re pleased to further expand our huge and varied premium rugby offer for fans in the UK and Ireland,” said Trojan Paillot, Senior Vice President, Sports Rights Acquisitions and Syndication, Warner Bros. Discovery Europe.

Six Nations fantasy: Is it worth keeping the top performers from Round Two?

“With men’s and women’s HSBC SVNS now available alongside Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup and Premiership Women’s Rugby, as well as all the rugby from Olympic Games Paris 2024 this summer, there is something on offer for every rugby fan on Warner Bros. Discovery Sports platforms.”

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “We are excited to team-up with TNT Sports to showcase the vibrant HSBC SVNS in UK and Ireland all the way to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and beyond.

“The revamped HSBC SVNS has already captured hearts and minds since the beginning of the season and we are delighted to bring its iconic destinations, fantastic action on the pitch and immersive music and food experiences off it on the TNT Sports channels.

“This partnership will help broaden the reach and appeal of rugby sevens in a hugely exciting time for the sport.”

Argentina currently top the men’s HSBC SVNS standings after impressive early-season form while gold medal winners in Rio in 2016, Australia, lead the women’s standings.

HSBC SVNS calendar

Round Four: Vancouver, Canada – February 23-25
Round Five: Los Angeles, USA – March 2-3
Round Six: Hong Kong, April 5-7
Round Seven: Singapore, May 3-5
Round Eight: Madrid, Spain (Grand Finale), May 31 – June 2

READ MORE: Loose Pass: The start of Super Rugby Pacific and some Six Nations questions