Global Rapid Rugby kicks off

The highly-anticipated Global Rapid Rugby (GRR) kicks off tonight in Australia with the Western Force taking on a World XVs team.

Both of the teams are fielding strong squads for the opener to the 2019 Showcase Series.

Two Asian based teams will participate in 2019; The South China Tigers (Hong Kong) and the Asia Pacific Dragons (Singapore). The South China Tigers take on the Western Force on the 29th March in Australia, before the GRR Showcase Series hits Asian shores on the 21st April 2019.

How to watch Global Rapid Rugby

GRR confirmed the games will be broadcast in all regions. The game kicks off at 19:40 local Perth time.

• Australia: national free to air provider SBS Australia will broadcast live on its SBS VICELAND Channel, SBS On Demand and via sbs.com.au. In Perth only, coverage on SBS VICELAND is on-delay at 10.30pm. FOX Sports Australia, will also broadcast the match and offer live and on-demand viewing on the popular new Kayo Sports streaming service.
• Asia: FOX SPORTS Asia and its local channels will broadcast the game live.
• New Zealand: SKY TV will carry the match live into New Zealand.

According to the GRR post, live online coverage will be available in all other regions via rapidrugby.com

With all of the recent news about the changes to Super Rugby and the proposed World Rugby Nations Championship, GRR could play a key role in rugby in the Asia-Pacific.