ITV secures exclusive UK rights to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in landmark World Rugby deal

ITV has been confirmed as the exclusive UK broadcast partner for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, with every match from the expanded tournament set to be shown live across its platforms.

The new agreement between ITV and World Rugby will see all 52 matches from the tournament in Australia broadcast live across ITV and ITVX, alongside highlights, analysis and digital content on ITV Sport’s YouTube channel.

The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will run from 1 October to 13 November 2027 across seven host cities in Australia. It will be the biggest Rugby World Cup ever staged, with the competition expanding from 20 to 24 teams for the first time. A new round of 16 will also be introduced, increasing the number of matches from 48 to 52.

The deal continues ITV’s long association with rugby’s biggest tournament, having broadcast every edition of the Men’s Rugby World Cup since 1991. ITV’s coverage of the 2023 tournament brought all 48 matches to audiences across the UK, combining live broadcasts with expert analysis and extensive digital content.

Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said the agreement reinforces the broadcaster’s commitment to rugby.

“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 the renewed partnership would help inspire both existing supporters and new audiences.

“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.”

He added that ITV’s coverage has been central to the tournament’s success in Britain for more than three decades.

“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.”

Gilpin also highlighted the significance of the expanded competition.

“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.”

The expanded format is expected to make the competition the largest in Rugby World Cup history, with millions of fans expected to follow the action across six weeks. World Rugby says the tournament will help grow the sport globally while making rugby more accessible and inclusive for new audiences.

For ITV, the agreement strengthens an already extensive sports portfolio, which includes England football internationals, UEFA Nations League fixtures, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, Men’s UEFA EURO 2028, the Men’s FIFA World Cup 2030, the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship, Premiership Rugby, horse racing, darts, Formula E and the English Football League.

The announcement also ensures free to air coverage of rugby’s showpiece event remains available to viewers across the United Kingdom as preparations continue for Australia 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who will broadcast the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in the UK?

ITV has secured the exclusive UK broadcast rights for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. Every match will be shown live across ITV and ITVX.

2. When is the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027?

The tournament takes place from 1 October to 13 November 2027 across Australia.

3. Where can I watch the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027?

UK viewers will be able to watch all 52 matches live on ITV and stream every game through ITVX. Highlights, analysis and additional digital content will also be available.

4. How many teams are playing in Rugby World Cup 2027?

A record 24 teams will compete in the tournament, making it the largest Men’s Rugby World Cup in history.

5. How many matches will be played at Rugby World Cup 2027?

There will be 52 matches, an increase from the 48 played at the 2023 tournament following the introduction of a new round of 16.

6. Where is the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 being held?

The tournament will be hosted by Australia and staged across seven host cities.

7. Will Rugby World Cup 2027 be available on ITVX?

Yes. Every match will be available to stream live on ITVX alongside ITV’s television coverage.

8. Has ITV broadcast the Rugby World Cup before?

Yes. ITV has been the UK broadcaster of every Men’s Rugby World Cup since 1991 and also showed all 48 matches from the 2023 tournament.

9. What is new about the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027?

The competition expands to 24 teams for the first time and introduces a new knockout round of 16, creating the biggest Rugby World Cup ever staged.

10. Why has ITV secured the Rugby World Cup 2027 rights?

The new agreement between ITV and World Rugby ensures the tournament remains free to air in the UK, giving fans live access to every match across ITV and ITVX.

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 takes place from 1 October to 13 November 2027 and will be shown live across ITV and ITVX. Images: World Rugby / ITV, used for editorial purposes only.