This Emmy nomination arrives as the perfect milestone to crown SuperSport's 30th year as a stand-alone channel, aiming to reaffirm its legacy as the undisputed World of Champions in storytelling, says the broadcaster.
The nominations for the 2025 International Emmy® Awards are announced by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, recognising 64 nominees across 16 categories from a record number of 26 countries, including South Africa, adds the broadcaster.
Chasing the Sun 2 competes against a strong field, including Argentina ’78 (Disney+ Original Productions / Pampa Films) and It's All Over: The Kiss That Changed the Spanish Football (You First Originals), says the broadcaster.
All nominees gather in New York at the International Emmy® World Television Festival from 21 to 23 November, with the winners being unveiled on Monday, 24 November, adds the broadcaster.
Chasing the Sun 2 is a five-part documentary series that offers fans front-row seats to the Springboks' 2023 journey to their historic fourth Rugby World Cup victory — the most by any country ever, says the broadcaster.
The SuperSport Originals documentary features never-before-seen footage, interviews with more than 30 players and coaches and all the highlights from the team's campaign, from a first-game defeat to winning the final, adds the broadcaster.
Directed and Executive Produced by Gareth Whittaker and produced by T+W for SuperSport, this marks their second International Emmy nomination in three years, following the recognition for Two Sides in 2023, says the broadcaster.
The five-part series premiered on 24 March 2024 simultaneously on M-Net and SuperSport, quickly becoming M-Net's most-watched show that year, and surpassing the record-breaking success of Chasing the Sun 1, adds the broadcaster.
The series, which is still available to watch on streaming platform Showmax, delves into the challenges and controversies of the campaign. From the injury loss of star hooker Malcolm Marx to the alleged racism controversy involving Bongi Mbonambi, the documentary offering viewers an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at the team's journey, says the broadcaster.
Led by Rassie Erasmus, Director of Rugby and Jacques Nienaber, the series aims to capture the intensity and bold decisions that defined the team, including the innovative 7-1 bench split in the final against the All Blacks, adds the broadcaster.
Beyond the rugby itself, Chasing the Sun 2 aims to shine a light on the human stories that defined the team. From the leadership of Siya Kolisi and Duane Vermeulen to the resilience of Deon Fourie and Kurt-Lee Arendse, the magic of Cheslin Kolbe, and the power of Eben Etzebeth, the series aims to reveal the heart and humanity behind the Springboks' campaign, says the broadcaster.
With full access to the players and staff, Chasing the Sun 2 offers a raw, intimate portrait of life inside the Springbok camp. SuperSport says that the series would not have been possible without the integral support of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) for granting unprecedented access to the team and for openly embracing the vision behind the documentary series, says the broadcaster.
A big thank you is extended to sponsors Betway, Spur and Toyota, who played a crucial role in bringing the Springboks' journey to life, adds the broadcaster.
Rendani Ramovha, Director of Content: Sport, English and Portuguese-speaking Africa for MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company, expresses his delight at the international recognition. "We are absolutely delighted by this nomination. It is a powerful validation of our commitment to telling world-class stories that resonate with audiences globally."
"Chasing the Sun 2 is a truly remarkable production that captures the spirit of a nation, and for it to be recognised on the international stage is a moment of immense pride for everyone at SuperSport and for South Africa."
The documentary's global recognition is met with enthusiasm by the sport's governing body, says the broadcaster.
"This International Emmy nomination is a moment of immense pride for the entire South African rugby community," says Mark Alexander, President of SARU. "It affirms that the story of our Springboks' historic 2023 triumph is one that resonates far beyond our borders. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to SuperSport for their unwavering vision and to T+W for crafting a powerful, unfiltered portrayal of our team's spirit — one that reflects the soul of our nation and the unity that rugby inspires."
"The Iis the highest honour bestowed upon any television project, and to see Chasing the Sun 2 nominated on this global stage is an extraordinary achievement," says Director, Gareth Whittaker.
"It is a testament to the power of South African storytelling and to the spirit of the Springboks, whose journey inspired millions around the world. We are deeply proud to have played a part in telling this story."
Whittaker reflects on the deeper significance of the award. "This nomination means a whole lot. The better stories we tell of ourselves, the better version of ourselves we become, and that holds true for sports teams, holds true for individuals, but maybe more importantly, it holds true for our country."
"I'm incredibly proud to be South African and to have played a very small part in helping to shape this story of this magical place," he concludes.
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*Image courtesy of contributor