Nine Entertainment has solidified its standing as the home of rugby by landing broadcast rights to three more World Cups, including a blockbuster home men’s tournament in Australia in 2027.
World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson confirmed the new broadcast deal with Nine and Stan Sport at a media conference at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Monday morning.
Nine Entertainment is partnering with World Rugby to broadcast the 2025, 2027 and 2029 World Cups. Pictured (from left): Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh, Nine Entertainment CEO Matt Stanton, Wallaroo Piper Duck, Wallaby Max Jorgensen, cross-code star Sonny-Bill Williams, Wallaby great Tim Horan and World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson.Credit: Oscar Colman
Nine and Stan Sport, Rugby Australia’s broadcast partners until 2030, will show the men’s 2027 World Cup in Australia, as well as the two women’s showpiece events in 2025 and 2029.
Australia hasn’t hosted a men’s World Cup since 2003, a tournament in which England star Jonny Wilkinson kicked a drop goal to sink the Wallabies in the final.
Wallabies and Wallaroos matches at the tournaments will be on free-to-air television on the Nine Network and 9Now. Stan Sport will show every match of each World Cup.
“This landmark partnership is all about reigniting the love of rugby Down Under,” Robinson said. “With Nine’s unmatched reach, expert analysis and comprehensive coverage across its broadcast and digital platforms, we are ensuring rugby is accessible to a wide audience and offering a unique and immersive destination for fans in the country.”
The deal also includes the World Rugby Sevens Series, Pacific Nations Cup, WXV tournaments and World Rugby U20 Championship.
Lote Tuqiri and Wendell Sailor at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Credit: Craig Golding
Nine chief executive Matt Stanton said: “The Rugby World Cup agreement reinforces the power of Nine. Whether it’s streaming on 9Now or Stan Sport, watching at home on the Nine Network, listening on radio or getting the analysis across our publishing mastheads, Nine can bring the game to Australian audiences like no other media company can.
“It not just cements Nine as the home of rugby, it strengthens our position as the place for iconic national and international sport with an unmatched ability to reach audiences across any and every platform.”
Nine Entertainment has been RA’s broadcast partner since 2021. Both parties signed a fresh broadcast deal for the 2026 to 2030 cycle.
The 2023 men’s World Cup in France was also shown on the Nine Network and Stan Sport. The Wallabies failed to make it out of the pool stages for the first time.
The 2027 World Cup will feature 24 teams, six pools and 52 matches in cities throughout Australia.
Pools for the tournament will be confirmed later in the year before the draw is announced in 2026.
Australia last won a men’s Rugby World Cup in 1999.
More to come
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