Get ready for a Rugby World Cup spectacle like no other! ITV has landed the holy grail of rugby coverage, securing the live broadcast rights for the 2027 men's tournament. This is a monumental coup for the broadcaster, cementing its position as the go-to destination for international rugby in the UK – and it's not just about the World Cup. ITV will be showing every England men's international match until at least 2029, including all their Six Nations fixtures, which they've already got rights to two-thirds of.
The deal is a significant blow to the BBC, which had been keen to join forces with ITV for the World Cup coverage – but in the end, it was ITV that emerged victorious. Sources suggest the broadcaster was willing to put its own interests ahead of potential revenue, securing exclusive rights and sending out a strong message to rugby fans: ITV is the place to be for top-class international action.
The 2027 World Cup may only be 15 months away, but this deal has got everyone talking. Other major markets like the US, Australia, and France finalised their broadcast contracts months ago – but not ITV. This late-blooming flower is set to deliver a bouquet of thrilling matches, with England's national team set to take centre stage.
As it stands, an upcoming England game in the new Nations Championship will be shown on ITV4 – because, you guessed it, there was a scheduling clash with a World Cup last-16 football tie between Canada and Morocco, which is being broadcast on ITV1. It's a scheduling puzzle that has all the makings of a thrilling tournament.