World Rugby Announces More Broadcast Partners for Rugby World Cup 2021

World Rugby and Spark Sport have announced that Warner Bros. Discovery NZ will be the exclusive New Zealand free-to-air broadcast partner for Rugby World Cup 2021.

Broadcast Partners for Rugby World Cup 2021

New Zealanders will be able to access all 26 matches live and on-demand on Spark Sport alongside supporting preview and post-match shows that delve into the action as it happens.

Head of Spark Sport Jeff Latch said: “We’re incredibly excited to be the official broadcaster of Rugby World Cup 2021 and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery NZ to give Kiwis access to the very best rugby action the world has on offer both on our platform, and through our free-to-air partner.

The partnership also means that Warner Bros. Discovery NZ’s ‘Channel Three’ will carry eight of the RWC 2021 tournament’s 26 matches, including both semi-finals and the final. In addition, they will air delayed coverage of two quarter-final matches and all three of the Black Ferns’ pool matches against Australia, Wales, and Scotland.

“This will be the first time we’ve partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery to bring Kiwis more of the sport they love and we hope rugby fans across the country will take up the opportunity to watch the pinnacle event for women’s rugby – whether that be through free-to-air on Three or streaming live and on-demand via Spark Sport” added Latch.

Senior Vice President of Warner Bros. Discovery, Australia and New Zealand, Glen Kyne adds: “We couldn’t be prouder to have the premiere women’s rugby tournament broadcasting free-to-air live on Three. We know New Zealanders will be 100% behind the Black Ferns as they compete for the World Cup title, and we’re chuffed to be broadcasting these games to fans on Three and ThreeNow.”

Rugby World Cup 2021 Trophy Tour

Where Can You Watch the RWC 2021?

In addition to the broadcast partners for Rugby World Cup 2021 announced this week, World Rugby previously announced TF1 as a broadcaster that will provide free-to-air coverage of the women’s tournament in France.

Dutch pay-television broadcaster Ziggo Sports agreed on a rights deal for the Rugby World Cup 2021 for exclusive rights in the Netherlands in February 2022.

RWC 2021 Match Schedule

The Rugby World Cup 2021 dates for the pool games and knockout stages for the RWC:

• Round 1 Pool matches: 8-9 October 2022.
• Round 2 Pool matches: 15-16 October 2022.
• Round 3 Pool matches: 22-23 October 2022.
• Quarter-finals: 29-30 October – Waitakere Stadium and Northland Events centre.
• Semi-finals: 5 November 2022 – Eden Park (Auckland).
• Bronze match + Final: 12 November 2022 – Eden Park (Auckland).

Qualified Teams: RWC 2021

• New Zealand
• England
• USA
• France
• Canada
• Australia
• Wales
• South Africa
• Fiji
• Japan
• Italy
• Scotland

Rugby World Cup 2021 Tournament Director Michelle Hooper, added: “Today’s announcement realises our vision of bringing Rugby World Cup 2021 into the homes of Kiwis across the motu and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to share in the excitement of hosting the biggest global event in women’s 15s rugby on home soil.

It’s a significant step towards greater visibility of women’s rugby and we know from recent viewership figures that Kiwis have an incredible appetite for watching women’s sport. This is a historic moment for the women’s game in the southern hemisphere and testament to the incredibly entertaining brand of rugby played by our mana wāhine.”

World Cup Rugby News

• DHL Announced Official Logistics Partner of RWC 2021.
• Rugby World Cup Hosts Look Locked In Until 2033.
• Rugby World Cup 2021 Trophy Tour: April-September 2022.
• Rugby World Cup Sevens Cape Town.