FOX SPORTS and Channel Ten have secured the broadcast rights for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
After much speculation about the Rugby World Cup rights in Australia, Foxtel announced on Saturday morning they had struck a deal with World Rugby to show the biggest global sporting event of the year, which begins in September in Japan.
FOX SPORTS will broadcast all 48 games of the tournament LIVE as well as streaming on Kayo, while Channel 10 and Ten Play will broadcast 10 matches from the tournament, including every Wallabies game as well the finals.
For the first time FOX SPORTS will show the games in 4K Ultra HD and on a dedicated World Cup channel.
The games will also been streamed on Kayo Sports and on FOX SPORTS' On-Demand streaming service.
Japan's similar timezone means all games, including finals, will be friendly time slots for Australian audiences.
“The Rugby World Cup 2019 is the biggest sports event this year and the only place to see all 48 games LIVE and ad-break free during play is on FOX SPORTS," Head of FOX SPORTS Peter Campbell said in a statement.
“And we will create history with every Rugby World Cup 2019 game available to Foxtel sports subscribers and exclusively LIVE in 4K Ultra HD – this will provide a stunning viewing experience like never before for sports fans.
“The modern Australian sports fan has a rich tapestry of background and heritage. Whether supporting the Wallabies or the All Blacks, England, Italy, South Africa, the USA, Fiji, or Tonga and beyond, our coverage will be for all fans no matter who you support. A global event like the Rugby World Cup 2019 is for all, irrespective of our backgrounds or sports’ code allegiance.
“The rights we have acquired will also allow all matches in the tournament to be streamed on the new sports only service Kayo Sports, as well as Foxtel Now. Eligible Foxtel customers can also stream the Rugby World Cup 2019, where and when they want, with Foxtel’s mobile app, Foxtel GO, which is available at no additional charge with a Foxtel subscription.”
World Rugby Chairman, Bill Beaumont, added: “We are delighted to be welcoming FOX SPORTS as rights holding broadcasters for Rugby World Cup 2019. They are long-standing supporters of rugby in Australia, broadcast innovators and with all of the big matches being shown in prime-time slots, will be a destination for Australian sports fans in September, October and November.”
Channel 10 chief executive Paul Anderson said: “The 2019 Rugby World Cup is one of the biggest international sporting events of the year and the crown jewel in the rugby calendar. As the long-time home of Australian rugby, we’re super excited that we can continue to bring coverage of this great game to Australians live and free, wherever and however they choose to watch it.”
