title: Setanta Sports Asia
text: # Setanta Sports Asia
  
  Setanta Sports Asia was an Asian pay television sports channel operating in the Asia Pacific region owned by Discovery Communications. It primarily airs the sports of rugby union and rugby league.
  
  Setanta Sports Asia was available on TV platforms in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia/Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
  
  ## History
  
  In February 2011, Setanta Sports Asia launched in Hong Kong on Now TV, and in Malaysia and Brunei on Astro. In June 2015, Setanta Sports in Dublin confirmed it has sold its Asian operations to Discovery Communications.
  
  From 29 January 2020, Setanta Sports Asia has been replaced by the new dedicated rugby channel, Rugby Pass TV which launched its OTT service first, since February 2016. Rugby Pass was later shut down due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Premier Sports Asia took over the acquisition of all Rugby Pass subscribers in 2021.
  
  ## Availability
  
  The channel was available on the following platforms throughout Asia:
  
  * In Hong Kong via Now TV
  * In Indonesia via First Media, Big TV, and MNC Play
  * In Malaysia and Brunei on Astro
  * In Mongolia via Univision and Sky Media
  * In the Philippines on SkyCable
  * In Thailand via TrueVisions
  * In Singapore via Toggle
  * In Sri Lanka via LBN, Dialog and SLT Peo TV
  * In Taiwan via bbTV
  
  ## Past coverage
  
  Setanta was the leading broadcaster of rugby in Asia, covering a variety of competitions from the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Setanta's former Rugby rights were:
  
  ### Rugby league
  
  * Super League
  * RFL Championship
  * National Rugby League (until 2017 season)
  
  ### Rugby union
  
  * International tests
  * Six Nations Championship (2011–2013 on Setanta; Return in 2017)
  * The Rugby Championship (formerly Tri-Nations)
  * Super Rugby
  * Pro14
  * Premiership Rugby
  * Ligue Nationale de Rugby
     * Top 14
     * Pro D2
  * Mitre 10 Cup
  * Currie Cup
  * European Professional Club Rugby (2014–15 until 2017–18)
     * European Rugby Champions Cup
     * European Rugby Challenge Cup
  
  ### GAA
  
  Setanta provided coverage of the Gaelic Athletic Association football and hurling championships.
  
  