Tournament is being held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea later this year

Rugby League World Cup 2026

Premier Sports has secured exclusive UK and Ireland rights for the Rugby League World Cup. 

The tournament, which includes both men’s, women’s and wheelchair editions, takes place in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea later this year, kicking off with Australia v New Zealand on 15 October. There will be 53 matches across the three competitions, culminating with the wheelchair final on 13 November and men’s and women’s on 15 November. 

Premier Sports will broadcast all 18 matches of the Men’s World Cup live, as well as all England matches in the Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments, along with the semi-finals and finals of both tournaments. There is provision for Premier Sports to broadcast more Women’s and Wheelchair World Cup matches live, depending on scheduling commitments.

Premier Sports previously showed the tournament in 2013 and 2017. The last edition was hosted in the UK and broadcast by the BBC. 

England are in the men’s tournament, England and Wales in the women’s, and England, Wales and Ireland are in the wheelchair version. 

The UK and Ireland deal follows the announcement that Premier Sports would broadcast RLWC2026 in Canada and 20 countries in South-East Asia. The deals were negotiated by global sports marketing agency, IMG, IRL’s exclusive global media rights partner for IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.

IRL secretary general Danny Kazandjian said: “Premier Sports has had a strong partnership with international rugby league events for many years and has showcased some of the sport’s elite tournaments – none more so than the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. IRL is really excited about renewing that relationship as we continue to develop our business, increasing the IF’s capacity to invest consistently and in a meaningful way in the global game. We have no doubt that Premier Sports’ customers will be enthralled by what promises to be one of the most competitive world cups in history.”

Richard Sweeney, CEO of Premier Sports, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the Rugby League World Cup back to Premier Sports viewers, having previously broadcast the tournament in 2013 and 2017.

“This is one of the major events in the international sporting calendar and we are looking forward to showing every match from the men’s tournament live, alongside extensive coverage of the IRL Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments. England’s opening match against Tonga promises to be a fascinating contest, and our full studio presentation around every England fixture will give supporters expert insight, analysis and reaction throughout the tournament.

“Premier Sports has a proud history with rugby league, from the 2013 and 2017 World Cups to our more recent coverage of the Rugby League Championship. We are excited to bring that experience and commitment to this tournament and to showcase the very best of the international game.”