ITV secures exclusive UK broadcast rights for 2027 Rugby World Cup

ITV has secured exclusive United Kingdom broadcast rights for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, successfully outbidding the BBC for the tournament. The broadcaster will show all 52 matches of the expanded event, which is scheduled to take place in Australia. This agreement continues a long-standing partnership between ITV and World Rugby that began in 1991.

Neil Sloane, ITV’s director of sport, described the agreement as a "monumental deal" that secures the broadcaster’s position as the free-to-air home of rugby union. The deal includes coverage of every game from the Nations Championship in 2026 and 2028, as well as a majority of men’s Six Nations games. Additionally, ITV will broadcast all England men’s international matches leading up to the World Cup.

The broadcaster plans to distribute coverage across ITV1, ITVX, and its YouTube channel. This strategy aims to consolidate ITV’s presence in the rugby landscape, building on its existing portfolio of sports coverage. The move follows the BBC’s broadcast of the Women’s Rugby World Cup last year, marking a shift in the free-to-air landscape for the sport.

While the specific financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the agreement ensures ITV retains control over the primary rugby broadcasting rights in the UK for the coming years. The inclusion of warm-up games and all England internationals underscores the broadcaster’s commitment to comprehensive coverage of the national team’s campaign.

The renewal of the World Rugby partnership highlights ITV’s strategic focus on maintaining dominance in major sporting events. By securing rights to the expanded 2027 tournament and subsequent championships, the broadcaster has reinforced its institutional role in UK sports media.