ESPN Africa Brings French TOP 14 Rugby to African Screens

[Brian_G]

17 April 2026

Elite European club rugby kicks off on screens across sub-Saharan Africa this weekend.

ESPN Africa has confirmed the acquisition of broadcast rights to France’s iconic TOP 14, widening the range of elite club rugby for fans across sub-Saharan Africa.

TOP 14 broadcasts, giving viewers a front-row seat to the passion, rivalry and weekly drama that define the French game, will air across both ESPN (DStv Channel 218) and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219), as well as on both linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa.

The action kicks off this Saturday 18 April with no less than three match-ups including Stade Rochelais vs Union Bordeaux Bègles (2:30PM on ESPN 2), Aviron Bayonnais vs Section Paloise (4:35PM on ESPN 2) and Castres Olympique vs Stade Toulousain (9PM on ESPN 2). Sunday 19 April sees Racing 92 take on Stade Français Paris at 9PM on ESPN 2, making for a weekend full of exhilarating rugby action.

The league features a strong South African presence, with Springbok forward Jean-Luc du Preez as well as Arno Botha and Nico Janse van Rensburg, adding local interest and familiar faces for African audiences following the action.

ESPN will air four live matches every week, showcasing the standout fixtures from each round alongside six playoff matches per season. All games will be broadcast with English commentary and graphics, allowing audiences to fully follow the narrative of the competition as it unfolds from round one through to the decisive moments.

A league built on rivalry and pride The TOP 14 carries a distinct rhythm that sets it apart. Packed stadiums, fierce local rivalries and an uncompromising style of play have made it a favourite among rugby followers around the world. The league brings together established international stars and homegrown talent, creating contests that feel personal and hard-earned from week to week.

Watch French TOP 14 Rugby on ESPN & ESPN 2 DStv Channel 218 & 219

The action kicks off this Saturday 18 April. The league features a strong South African players including Springbok forward Jean-Luc du Preez and Arno Botha.

www.dstv.com

 

[Brian_G]

218 ESPN 1 available on all packages except EasyView

219 ESPN 2 available on Compact, Compact Ploos & Premium

 

[Brian_G]

 

[cavedog]

17 April 2026

Elite European club rugby kicks off on screens across sub-Saharan Africa this weekend.

ESPN Africa has confirmed the acquisition of broadcast rights to France’s iconic TOP 14, widening the range of elite club rugby for fans across sub-Saharan Africa.

TOP 14 broadcasts, giving viewers a front-row seat to the passion, rivalry and weekly drama that define the French game, will air across both ESPN (DStv Channel 218) and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219), as well as on both linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa.

The action kicks off this Saturday 18 April with no less than three match-ups including Stade Rochelais vs Union Bordeaux Bègles (2:30PM on ESPN 2), Aviron Bayonnais vs Section Paloise (4:35PM on ESPN 2) and Castres Olympique vs Stade Toulousain (9PM on ESPN 2). Sunday 19 April sees Racing 92 take on Stade Français Paris at 9PM on ESPN 2, making for a weekend full of exhilarating rugby action.

Watch French TOP 14 Rugby on ESPN & ESPN 2 DStv Channel 218 & 219

The action kicks off this Saturday 18 April. The league features a strong South African players including Springbok forward Jean-Luc du Preez and Arno Botha.

www.dstv.com

Not bad. Looking at the fixtures they are showing them all on ESPN 1 so frlm DSTV Access upward will show them.

Not bad because it's english commentary. It's hard to find the Top14 streams in English commentary even premier sports show very little games.

Flo rugby shows it all but it's all in French.

 

[Brian_G]

Would be interesting to see how much desire there is for this, so have made a poll ^^

 

[cavedog]

@Brian_G so now this has changed. The games are only shown on espn2 which is also conveniently only available on Sports package and higher... Sigh

 

[Werner1975]

Pass