Champ Rugby to get blanket coverage thanks to new broadcast deal

Fans of Worcester Warriors will be able to watch the club’s first competitive game since its rebirth live and for free, thanks to a new, multi-year broadcasting deal between Champ Rugby and Ireland’s largest streaming platform, Clubber TV.

For the first time in Champ Rugby history, all 182 league games across the season, plus the play-offs, will be streamed, giving fans complete access to live match-day coverage and an on-demand game archive.

Clubber TV is a subscription-only service, although selected games, including Worcester’s opening match against local rivals Coventry, have been designated as free-to-air.

Champ Rugby has been streamed in recent seasons on the RFU’s own channels, but nowhere near to the same extent as this latest deal with Clubber TV, whose background is in GAA sports coverage. Clubber TV currently has 145,000 registered users.

English rugby’s second tier has been crying out for more eyes on it since Sky Sports removed it from its portfolio. While a mainstream TV deal with a partner like TNT Sports or Premier Sports would have been the ultimate aim, this solution is a step in the right direction.

Commenting on the partnership, Simon Gillham OBE, Chair of the Champ Rugby Board, stated: “This partnership with Clubber TV marks a significant step forward for Champ Rugby. It gives us a platform to showcase the quality, character, and ambition of the league, while creating new opportunities to engage fans and strengthen club communities.

“It also supports our wider commitment to grow the second tier in a way that’s sustainable, collaborative, and aligned with the long-term interests of the English game. As we continue to build bridges across the rugby landscape, this partnership shows what’s possible when we work together with a shared purpose.”

Laurence Doyle, Clubber TV Chief Operating Officer, added: “We’re delighted to partner with Champ Rugby to become the global streaming home of the competition. At Clubber TV, our vision has always been to support the growth of sport by connecting fans, players and clubs in new and exciting ways. Champ Rugby is the proving ground for the next generation of English rugby. We’re proud to stand alongside the league as its biggest supporter.

“Through this partnership, as well as broadcasting every game live, we will also be offering a mix of free-to-air games and flexible subscription packages that bring fans closer than ever to the action. Together, we will deliver compelling content for passionate fans, empower clubs to grow their reach, and showcase the quality and integrity of second-tier rugby on a global stage.”

Champ Rugby is now available to purchase on Clubber TV’s platform. There is a 20% discount for the annual pass for a limited time when using the code: CHAMP20. To learn more about Clubber TV, click here.

The 2025-26 Champ Rugby season kicks off on Friday, October 3, with Nottingham vs Doncaster Knights featured in the opening game. The following day, Saturday, October 4, fans can watch the West Midlands derby between Worcester Warriors vs Coventry free-to-air.

Champ Rugby Round One games on Clubber TV:

Friday, October 3:
Nottingham v Doncaster Knights (7.45pm)

Saturday, October 4:
Worcester Warriors v Coventry (Free-to-air, 2.00pm)
Cornish Pirates v Hartpury (2.30pm)
Richmond v Chinnor (3.00pm)
Cambridge v Ampthill (3.00pm)
Caldy v London Scottish (3.00pm)
Bedford Blues v Ealing Trailfinders (4.00pm)