SUPER 20

• The popularity of the game of rugby globally and on the domestic level, has brought about a significant growth in the availability of broadcast and media options, merchandising and licensing, especially in the Americas. The real driving force is the professionalism of rugby via the establishment of a Super 20 Rugby World Series tournament deriving its name from 20 franchise properties in 10 countries with a collective population of One Billion consumers... • Rugby's growth and development, especially with broadcasters and sponsors amongst Tier 2 & Tier 3 nations around the world, suffers as a result of limited participation into the Six Nations, Super 14, Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup competitions... • The tournament and the participating 20 rugby franchises are underwritten by broadcast and participating sponsors, who seek to associate themselves with the development of rugby participants and a wider television audience of millions.