Andy Devaney
RugbyPass TV has just kicked off a major play to bring the game to the masses—no subscription, no fuss, just full-throttle rugby.
Thanks to a new partnership with Samsung, RugbyPass TV is now streaming its first-ever FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) channel on Samsung TV Plus. The channel is live in the UK and bound for the US faster than a winger on a breakaway.
This isn’t just a minor pass out wide—it’s a hefty line break through the paywall, delivering live matches, binge-worthy documentaries, and vintage showdowns straight into millions of living rooms. It’s the first time RugbyPass TV content has landed on a FAST platform, and World Rugby is banking on it to reel in a new wave of viewers from two of its most lucrative, yet underexploited, markets.
“For rugby, this is a strategic conversion from midfield,” you might say.“With the U.S. and UK representing two of rugby’s most important and promising markets, this exciting collaboration with Samsung TV Plus is a major milestone in our journey to grow the game globally,” said World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin, sounding more like a coach at half-time than a corporate exec. “Through RugbyPass TV FAST, we’re bringing the excitement, diversity, and global appeal of the game to more fans, in more homes, than ever before.”
The RugbyPass TV FAST channel is a carefully curated mix: real-time international action, rugby sevens, behind-the-scenes originals, nostalgic classics, and expert analysis. It’s designed to hook newcomers and satisfy the die-hards—rugby boot to blazer.
For Samsung, it’s a win-win. “RugbyPass TV is a global leader in rugby content, and we’re thrilled to bring their first-ever FAST channel to Samsung TV Plus users in the UK,” said Gus Grimaldi, Head of Samsung TV Plus EMEA. “This launch not only enhances our sports offering but introduces a beloved sport to new fans by removing the paywall.”
That last bit—removing the paywall—is the key. With sports fans increasingly allergic to endless subscriptions, World Rugby is serving up premium content without the premium price tag. RugbyPass TV’s debut on Samsung’s FAST platform opens the door to casual viewers and seasoned supporters alike, meeting fans where they are—on the sofa, remote in hand, and streaming.
And yes, the timing’s no accident. The 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups (men’s and women’s) are on the horizon. This move lays the groundwork for a decade of growth in regions where rugby still battles for airtime with everything from cricket to corn hole.
In the US, this launch complements RugbyPass TV’s existing partnership with CBS Sports and Paramount+, which already carries the big-ticket global events. Now, with the FAST channel rollout, World Rugby is doubling down—building fandom at scale with no barrier to entry.
Notably, women’s rugby is a core pillar of this new strategy, with original content and match coverage designed to showcase the talent and diversity driving the sport’s next evolution.
So, whether you’re a front-row purist or someone who still thinks a ruck is a type of kitchen appliance, RugbyPass TV on Samsung TV Plus just made it easier than ever to join the scrum.
You can download the RugbyPass App today and dive into the action. No conversion needed.
