Rugby World Cup: ITV confirmed as UK broadcaster for 2027 tournament

ITV will show the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year, extending the broadcaster’s coverage of the tournament to a 10th consecutive edition.

All 52 matches of the event, featuring 24 teams and a last-16 knockout round, will be shown live.

World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said: “This is much more than a new deal with a trusted partner, it is a statement of intent to ensure that everyone in the UK can be inspired by an iconic world sporting event, its action, drama and personality.”

The broadcaster, the rights holder of every men’s World Cup since the 1991 edition, has previously secured the 2026 and 2028 editions of the new Nations Championship and most Six Nations matches up to and including the 2029 tournament. in a shared-rights deal with BBC Sport.

ITV will currently show every England men’s game scheduled until the summer of 2029, while Scotland, Wales and Ireland matches will be free-to-air in the UK during the same period.

The Rugby World Cup kicks off with hosts Australia taking on Hong Kong on October 1 next year.