The online sports media brand Pundit Arena and the Union Cup have announced a partnership that will see the media house broadcast the 2019 Union Cup on June 8th and 9th.
The 2019 Union Cup is Europe’s biggest LGBT+ inclusive rugby tournament with 45 teams from 15 countries expected to take part in the two-day festival at Dublin City University Sports Campus. Nigel Owens, one of rugby’s most respected referees, will officiate the tournament’s final.
Pundit Arena will broadcast the competition on Pundit Arena TV (www.punditarena.com/tv), as well as delivering video and social content throughout the tournament.
According to Pundit Arena co-founder and CCO, Richard Barrett: “We are delighted to partner with the Union Cup. Recent statistics show that just 17% of the LGBT+ community are involved in team sports, and we hope that through this broadcast, we can inspire more people to get involved. In a year that has seen distasteful comments from an international rugby player dominate headlines, we have an added responsibility to highlight the inclusivity of this wonderful sport. Sport in general is about so much more than what happens on the field and the Union Cup is a fantastic example of this.”
Union Cup Chairman, Richie Fagan, adds: “We are passionately promoting diversity and inclusion in sport. We believe that rugby is a game for all. There’s never been a more exciting time in Ireland to host an inclusive, high-level rugby tournament, with a dash of glitter. We are excited to showcase pride in rugby, as Ireland has never seen before.”
Matt Steerman, Pundit Arena Head of Commercial, added: “To be able to partner with the Union Cup as a streaming partner is a huge honour. While the entire Union Cup team and sponsors have done a fantastic job of getting the message out about the uniqueness, inclusivity and quality of the event that will no doubt have DCU packed with fans, we’re delighted to be able to play a small part to provide visibility of the matches for those around Ireland, Europe and anywhere in the world that can’t make it on the day to experience this important event.”
