World Rugby has announced a partnership with Sport 24 – a channel of IMG – which will broadcast the next two Rugby World Cups.
The platform will deliver live coverage from the two international tournaments to airlines and cruise ships across the world.
The deal began on 8 October with the Rugby World Cup 2021, hosted by defending champions New Zealand, and is due to conclude on 12 November. Within this, Sport 24 will broadcast 38 hours of live coverage as women rugby players face-off for the coveted title.
World Rugby Chief Executive, Alan Gilpin, stated: “We are delighted to have Sport 24 join the family of broadcasters for our men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups.
“Rugby World Cup 2021 will be a record-breaking celebration of the best of women’s rugby, starting with a 40,000 world record attendance for a women’s rugby match at Eden Park this Saturday.
“The excitement will continue to grow and partnering with Sport 24 means that fans won’t miss a minute no matter where they are.”
Additionally, the collaboration also sees Sport 24 stream 112 hours of live footage across 56 games of the Rugby World Cup 2023.
This is the tenth edition of the quadrennial world championship for men’s rugby, and is scheduled to take place in France from 8 September – 28 October 2023.
“We are delighted to partner with World Rugby in an exciting and pivotal year for the sport,” added Richard Wise, SVP, Content and Channels for IMG’s media business.
“As rugby’s popularity continues to surge around the globe, we look forward to playing our role in expanding the reach and viewership of the sport through our unmatched inflight and in-ship live coverage of the next two World Cups.”
