Nine Entertainment secures broadcast rights for three more Rugby World Cups
Nine Entertainment has solidified its standing as the home of rugby by landing broadcast rights to three more World Cups, including a blockbuster home men's tournament in Australia in 2027.
World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson confirmed the new broadcast deal with Nine and Stan Sport at a media conference at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Monday morning.
Nine and Stan Sport, Rugby Australia's broadcast partners until 2030, will show the men's 2027 World Cup in Australia, as well as the two women's showpiece events in 2025 and 2029.
Australia hasn't hosted a men's World Cup since 2003, a tournament where England star Jonny Wilkinson kicked a drop goal to sink the Wallabies in the final.
Wallabies and Wallaroos matches at the tournaments will be on free-to-air television on the Nine Network and 9Now. Stan Sport will show every match of each World Cup.
'This landmark partnership is all about reigniting the love of rugby Down Under,' Robinson said. 'With Nine's unmatched reach, expert analysis and comprehensive coverage across its broadcast and digital platforms, we are ensuring rugby is accessible to a wide audience and offering a unique and immersive destination for fans in the country.'
The deal also includes the World Rugby Sevens Series, Pacific Nations Cup, WXV tournaments and World Rugby U20 Championship.
Nine chief executive Matt Stanton said: 'The Rugby World Cup agreement reinforces the power of Nine. Whether it's streaming on 9Now or Stan Sport, watching at home on the Nine Network, listening on radio or getting the analysis across our publishing mastheads, Nine can bring the game to Australian audiences like no other media company can.
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