Rugby World Cup Limited has announced the appointment of SKY Television New Zealand as a rights-holding broadcaster for Rugby World Cup 2015, extending the successful partnership between rugby’s showcase event and New Zealand’s leading rugby broadcaster.
Under the terms of the deal, SKY New Zealand will manage the broadcast of live coverage of all 48 matches and will also deliver a comprehensive TV, digital and mobile offering.
SKY New Zealand delivered the host broadcast services and world feed for New Zealand 2011 – the most viewed Rugby World Cup to date – and are looking to build on their award-winning coverage for England 2015.
RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted to be renewing its successful relationship with SKY Television New Zealand. The appointment of a market-leader who shares our passion for rugby and Rugby World Cup is great news for the tournament and fans.
"This extension with a highly-valued broadcast partner underscores our commitment to ensuring fan experience is at the heart of a Rugby World Cup that promises to be the most viewed, most engaged and best-connected tournament to date.
"With less than 250 days to go, Rugby World Cup 2015 is shaping up to be a very special, record-breaking global celebration of rugby that will reach out and inspire new audiences in new nations."
RWCL Head of Commercial, Broadcast and Marketing, Murray Barnett added: "Rugby World Cup's partnership with SKY New Zealand will build on the success of 2011 and serve New Zealanders with extensive and innovative coverage as the England 2015 story unfolds."
Rugby World Cup 2011 set a new viewership record for rugby’s showcase event with 125 licensees delivering coverage to 207 territories, and with England 2015 rights holding broadcasters set to deliver over 20,000 hours of action via broadcast and digital platforms in over 205 territories, the scene is set for an unprecedented viewing experience.
SKY New Zealand Director of Sport Richard Last said: "The Rugby World Cup only happens every four years, and it’s one of the country’s most-followed sports events. I’m absolutely delighted that all SKY Sport customers will once again be able to enjoy uninterrupted live coverage of this incredible competition."
In addition to the deal with SKY New Zealand, free-to-air rights have been sub-licensed to Prime with New Zealanders able to watch every All Blacks match and highlights from each match day. Full broadcast details will be released in due course.
