ITV will remain the United Kingdom television home of the men’s Rugby World Cup after striking an exclusive deal for the 2027 edition.
The broadcaster is a long-standing partner of World Rugby, but is thought to have faced competition for next year’s rights from the BBC, which showed the Women’s Rugby World Cup last year.
But ITV has confirmed that it has renewed its agreement to show all 52 matches from the expanded tournament in Australia as it continues to establish itself as the free-to-air home of rugby union.
Every game from the Nations Championship in 2026 and 2028 will be shown on the broadcaster’s channels, with ITV also having rights to a majority of men’s Six Nations games.
“This is a monumental deal for audiences across the UK, delivering coverage on ITV of the biggest rugby tournament,” Neil Sloane, ITV’s director of sport, said after extending a union that began in 1991.
“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.”
Having also taken the rights to the warm-up games ahead of the tournament, every England men’s international through the 2027 World Cup will be shown on ITV.
