ITV secures exclusive 2027 Rugby World Cup rights

ITV has secured exclusive rights to the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup. 

It will show all 52 matches from the tournament, which is set to take place across Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027. The broadcaster will also have extensive highlights, analysis and digital content across ITV, ITVX, and ITV Sport YouTube.

The 2027 tournament has been expanded to 24 teams, making it the largest to date. 

ITV has shown the men’s Rubgy World Cup since 1991, and has a strong association with the sport. It also broadcasts the Six Nations, the new Nations Championship and domestic Premiership rugby. 

ITV director of sport Niall Sloane said: “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 said: “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.

“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. Together with ITV, we look forward to bringing every unforgettable moment to everyone across the UK as we invite the world to go all out for Rugby World Cup 2027.”