Fox, Kayo Sports And Network Ten Pick Up Broadcast Rights For Rugby World Cup

The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan will be broadcast on Fox Sports and its over-the-top (OTT) platform Kayo Sports, after securing the Australian broadcast and streaming rights this week.

A dedicated 24-hour channel will be shown on Fox as part of the broadcast package, while Kayo Sports will stream every game live as well as making games available on demand.

After rumors circulated in the media around the lack of interest from free-to-air broadcasters due to the high asking price set by World Rugby, Network Ten will have the rights to all of Australia’s pool games and three potential knockout matches, should they advance – no figures around fees have been reported.

“We’ve been the free-to-air home of the Wallabies for some time now, so it’s great we’ve got the World Cup,” Network Ten chief executive, Paul Anderson, told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“It’s a fantastic time zone too which works for us and the rugby public, which is even more important.”

Fox will build out its World Cup coverage match previews, daily highlights, review programmes, archive matches from previous tournaments and analysis.

Head of Fox Sports, Peter Campbell, said: “The modern Australian sports fan has a rich tapestry of background and heritage.

“Whether supporting the Wallabies or the All Blacks, England, Italy, South Africa, the USA, Fiji, or Tonga and beyond, our coverage will be for all fans no matter who you support.

“A global event like the Rugby World Cup 2019 is for all, irrespective of our backgrounds or sports code allegiance.

“The rights we have acquired will also allow all matches in the tournament to be streamed on our new sports only service Kayo Sports, as well as Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now.”