Accedo and HKRU Deliver Live Rugby Direct to Fans
Accedo has worked with Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) to launch HKRU TV for the 2020 Men’s and Women’s Premiership season.
The OTT service features both live matches and VOD content and has been developed using Accedo’s end-to-end solution offering.
As the governing body for rugby union in Hong Kong, HKRU organizes and oversees both global and local rugby events. This includes the annual Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, as well as the Saxo Markets Men’s and the KPMG Women’s Premiership, both featuring six local clubs.
Accedo’s end-to-end sports offering enables sport organizations and right holders to rapidly and cost-effectively deploy live and on-demand video apps across multiple platforms. It also allows for an element of flexibility, enabling HKRU to tailor its app experience with changes made dynamically as requirements or user preferences evolve.
HKRU TV is available on web, smartphone, and tablet devices. The use of AuthVOD enables rugby fans across the globe to register and use the video service for free, giving them access to all matches throughout the season, both live and on-demand. Accedo’s solution supports both live event and live linear streaming, as well as VOD or “catch-up” content, including a number of important features, such as clipping and social sharing.
Rocky Chow, Chief Commercial Officer, HKRU, commented: “Thanks to Accedo, we have been able to implement a premium OTT service cost-effectively. I have no doubt that HKRU TV will be well received by fans across the globe and I look forward to working with Accedo to bring more exciting value-add features for our sponsors and partners.”
Matt Kossatz, SVP Asia-Pacific, Accedo added: "The sports industry has been hard hit by COVID-19. In a time of empty stadiums, a direct-to-consumer service gives HKRU another channel to engage with its fans. By leveraging insights gained from our analytics platform, HKRU will be able to better serve its existing customers and attract new ones. Looking further ahead, we are excited about collaborating with HKRU to deliver new and more value for its commercial sponsors."
HKRU TV launched at the beginning of November.
About Accedo
Accedo helps the world’s leading video service providers deliver and grow engaging video experiences. Over the past 15+ years, we have developed a deep understanding of the video service ecosystem that helps us deliver scalable solutions for clients of all shapes and sizes. We provide a combination of the products and services needed to support our customers at every stage of the video business journey, from strategy and conception through to delivery and post-launch optimization. We help clients stay at the forefront of innovation by leveraging new technologies and business insights to gain and maintain a competitive edge.
Accedo was founded in 2004 and today has over 450 employees in 16 offices across the world. Clients include global organizations such as Globo, NBC Universal, Deutsche Telecom, Telefonica, Showtime, CNN, Tata Sky, and TVNZ.
Website: www.accedo.tv
About HKRU
The Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) was founded in 1952, and became an affiliated union of World Rugby in 1988. In 1968, the HKRU became a founding member of Asia Rugby and remains committed to the development of the game in Asia. In 2008, the HKRU presented the first neutral-venue Bledisloe Cup – followed by a second match in 2010. In 2013, the HKRU hosted the first British & Irish Lions match played in Asia and the following year hosted the first regional Olympic qualifier tournament for Rugby Sevens. The HKRU is a member of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and provides competitive and social rugby opportunities for men and women at every age and skill level, with a thriving community of over 10,000 players.
"Hong Kong Rugby – A Game for All!"
Follow us on facebook.com @hkrugby & twitter.com @HongKongRugby