Governing body, World Rugby, has announced a partnership extension with IMG Replay, giving them the rights to manage and license archival footage from the governing body’s competitions until 2024.

The partnership will include the ongoing Women’s Rugby World Cup and 2023 World Cup in France, as well as the global licensing and merchandising rights for both tournament and the World Rugby U20 World Championships and World Rugby brand.

Commenting on the partnership extension, World Rugby head of media rights, Chris Synott, said: “IMG is a proven leader in this field with an intimate knowledge and understanding of World Rugby events.”

“We are delighted to be extending our partnership with them and furthering the reach, accessibility and attractiveness of the sport on a global basis in line with our strategic vision of a global sport for all.

“IMG Replay is a world-leading platform used by sports and entertainment organisations the world over and it perfectly supports our strategic storytelling ambitions long after the final whistle has blown,” he said.

IMG Replay vice president, Tom Barnes, added: “World Rugby is home to some of the most thrilling and unpredictable moments in sporting history.”

“We’re delighted to continue our global partnership for the next three years, giving storytellers unbeatable access to the moments that matter via IMG Replay,” he said.

The announcement comes after World Rugby acquired RugbyPass, entering them into the direct-to-consumer market.