Since their first broadcast in 1991, ITV has been synonymous with the Rugby World Cup, showcasing every tournament to viewers across the UK. Their coverage has expanded over the years to include not just the World Cup but also key fixtures from the Six Nations and the Nations Championship.
ITV Director of Sport, Niall Sloane, commented on the significance of this partnership.
"This is a monumental deal for audiences across the UK delivering coverage on ITV of the biggest rugby tournament. We’ve enjoyed a long-standing partnership with World Rugby, and this will continue to thrive. This partnership further secures ITV as the home of rugby, adding to our extensive portfolio and commitment of rugby coverage across ITV1, ITVX and ITV Sport YouTube."
World Rugby Chief Executive, Alan Gilpin, also shared his enthusiasm for the agreement.
"This is much more than a new agreement with a trusted partner; it is a statement of intent to ensure that everyone in the UK can experience and be inspired by one of the world’s iconic sporting events, its action, drama and personalities. ITV’s passion for rugby, commitment to innovation and ability to tell the stories that define Rugby World Cup have been central to the tournament’s success in the UK for more than 30 years, and will again be a major feature of Australia 2027, with every minute of every match available for UK fans."
The 2027 World Cup promises to be a historic event, not just because of the increase in teams from 20 to 24 but also with the introduction of a round-of-16 knockout stage. Such changes are set to offer more matches, more drama, and greater opportunities for emerging rugby nations.
As the excitement builds, ITV and World Rugby are gearing up to deliver an unforgettable viewing experience. "Australia 2027 will be a landmark moment for rugby. With 24 teams, more matches, more stories and more opportunities for emerging nations to shine on the world stage, the tournament will power a new era for the game," Gilpin noted.
The tournament kicks off on Friday, October 1, 2027, with the final match slated for Saturday, November 13. Fans across the UK can look forward to experiencing every tackle, try, and triumph as the world comes together for this grand rugby spectacle.
As the countdown to the Rugby World Cup 2027 continues, the partnership between ITV and World Rugby stands as a testament to their shared commitment to bring top-tier rugby action to fans across the UK. It’s a relationship built on a mutual love for the game and a passion for storytelling that captures the essence of this beloved sport.
