ITV retains UK Rugby World Cup broadcast rights through 2027
By Theo BrennanITV has once again secured exclusive broadcast rights for the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, ensuring all 52 matches will be available live across the United Kingdom. This agreement extends the broadcaster's long-standing relationship with the tournament, marking its tenth successive edition covering rugby’s premier global event.
The deal reinforces ITV's position as a central hub for international rugby, adding to its existing portfolio that includes the Nations Championship and a significant portion of the Six Nations fixtures.
Extended Partnership with World Rugby
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin emphasized the significance of this agreement, calling it a statement of intent beyond a mere renewal with a trusted partner. Gilpin highlighted the goal of inspiring UK audiences through the tournament's action and personalities. ITV’s Director of Sport, Niall Sloane, also celebrated the deal as a monumental development for UK audiences, further solidifying ITV's commitment to rugby coverage across its platforms.
The broadcaster has been a rights holder for every men's World Cup since 1991, including exclusive rights for the 2023 edition held in France. This extensive history underlines a deep-rooted partnership between ITV and World Rugby, a collaboration that Gilpin credits with being central to the tournament's success in the UK over three decades.
Comprehensive Coverage Plans
Under the new agreement, all 52 matches from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia will be broadcast live. This comprehensive package will also include extensive highlights, in-depth analysis, and digital content across ITV, ITVX, and ITV Sport’s YouTube channel encompassing every minute of every match.
Beyond the World Cup, ITV will also broadcast every England men's game currently scheduled until summer 2029. Additionally, matches featuring Scotland, Wales, and Ireland will be free-to-air in the United Kingdom during the same period, providing broad access for fans. This comprehensive approach expands on previous agreements, which include all Tests from the 2026 and 2028 Nations Championship, and the majority of Six Nations fixtures up to 2029, in a shared-rights deal with BBC Sport.
Australia 2027 Tournament Format
The 2027 Rugby World Cup will introduce an expanded format, featuring 24 teams for the first time in the tournament's history. This expansion includes a new last-16 knockout playoff round, increasing the overall number of matches and opportunities for emerging nations to compete on a global stage.
The tournament is slated to open on October 1, 2027, with hosts Australia facing Hong Kong. The final is currently scheduled for November 13.
Global Rugby Landscape
The expanded Rugby World Cup aims to usher in a new era for the sport, offering more matches and stories, which will be critical for the growth and visibility of international rugby news. The focus on accessibility through free-to-air broadcasts in the UK means a wider audience can engage with World Cup rugby, potentially increasing participation and interest globally. This strategic move aligns with World Rugby’s vision to broaden the sport's appeal.