ad tech company VeNA has signed an exclusive reseller partnership covering Australia and New Zealand with digital rugby network RugbyPass.

Across Asia and parts of Europe, RugbyPass is the exclusive digital rights holder and over-the-top broadcaster for live rugby, including the Super Rugby, the Rugby Championship and autumn internationals, the Six Nations, the Aviva Premiership, the European Champions Cup, the Pro14, the Top14, and the Mitre 10 Cup.

Although the live streaming service is not available in Australia or New Zealand, RugbyPass’ global team of rugby personalities, sports journalists and commentators produce content such as in-depth features, articles, videos, and podcasts, which is attracting Aussie and Kiwi audiences.

In addition, RugbyPass’ global match centre allows fans to follow game stats in real time and also offers fantasy gaming products.

The RugbyPass platform consists of an interconnected network of rugby websites and social pages catering to different fan groups and geos.

These include RugbyPass.com, Rugby365.com, RugbyOnslaught.com, RugbyDump.com, Fantasy Rugger, various podcasts and more than 15 Facebook pages.

Richard North, chief operating officer at RugbyPass, said: “The New Zealand and Australian rugby audience is hugely important to us and provides exciting and engaging opportunities for brands.

“We recognise the importance of having a locally-focused sales partner to lead and manage the relationships with agencies and their brands.

“With Super Rugby action starting on the 17^th [of] February and new seasons of our various original video formats kicking off again, our traffic and engagement across New Zealand and Australia builds considerably, making it an opportune time for brands to get involved.”

VeNA’s general manager for New Zealand, Tony Knowles, said: “We are excited to kick off 2018 with this announcement.

“This partnership further strengthens our premium sports category, is a strong media brand with NZ connections at its core, and has an exciting roadmap focused on the evolving needs of the global rugby audience.”