Matt Stanton and Brett Robinson.
Nine has secured exclusive broadcast rights to the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups.
The deal, which kicks off with the British & Irish Lions Tour in 2025, includes Stan Sport, the 9Network and 9Now.
Nine’s streaming and broadcast platforms will showcase the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, followed by the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and the Women’s Rugby World Cups 2029.
Stan Sport will deliver every match from all three tournaments live and on-demand. The Wallabies and Wallaroos games will be live and free on the 9Network and 9Now.
Nine last month extended its broadcast rights deal with Rugby Australia in a new agreement running to 2030 and reported to be worth $210 million.
The commercial details of the world cup deal aren’t known.
Nine’s new coverage kicks off with Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England (August 22 September 27). Wallaroos matches will air live on the 9Network and 9Now, with all 32 tournament games available live and on-demand on Stan Sport.
“The Rugby World Cup agreement reinforces the power of Nine,” said Matt Stanton, Nine CEO.
“Whether it’s streaming on 9Now or Stan Sport, watching at home on 9 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.
“It’s not just the fans that benefit from this partnership with World Rugby, our sponsors and advertisers know they can trust Nine to elevate their brands and engage with audiences in a meaningful and impactful way that adds to the experience for our audiences.”
World Rugby chair Brett Robinson said the landmark partnership is all about reigniting the love of rugby down under.
“With Nine 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.”
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