Rugby World Cup TV deal is good news for armchair supporters as trusted broadcaster returns

The agreement ensures that all 52 matches from the tournament will be broadcast live for British audiences, alongside extensive highlights, analysis and digital content, across ITV, ITVX, and ITV Sport YouTube.

The 2027 Rugby World Cup kicks off on October 1 and runs until November 13 and features 52 matches, the most in the competition’s history.

For the first time, the tournament is being expanded to 24 teams and will include a round of 16 after the pool stage, another new development. Scotland will play Uruguay, Ireland and Portugal in Pool D.

Long association with ITV

The Rugby World Cup and ITV have a long association which dates back to the 1991 tournament.

Niall Sloane, ITV’s director of sport, 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.”

Alan Gilpin, chief executive of World Rugby, 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.”