Waugh hopes RA, and the increased success of Australian teams, can convince Nine to show domestic matches on FTA after announcing a significant $65m uplift in a new broadcast deal following year-on-year increases in Stan and Nine’s rugby viewership. One club rugby match will now be shown on free-to-air each week in both Sydney and Brisbane, however. “There’s no contractual obligation for Nine to put it on free-to-air,” Waugh told reporters at Nine’s offices in North Sydney on Wednesday. “We’re striking the balance between value and exposure. Clearly we’re in an environment where it’s hugely competitive to keep talent. [It is about] ensuring that the value and the economics work to be able to keep our talent in this country so that we can put a product out onto the field that people want to watch.