Australia will enjoy unprecedented wall-to-wall coverage of Rugby World Cup 2019 after World Rugby announced the appointment of FOX SPORTS as the Australian licensee for Rugby World Cup 2019 broadcast and streaming rights and Network 10 as the free-to-air licensee. 

Under the multi-platform deal with FOX SPORTS, each of the 48 matches at Asia’s first Rugby World Cup will be broadcast live on a dedicated Rugby World Cup channel, which will also feature match previews, highlights, review programmes and classic matches, as well as commentary and analysis from renowned pundits and former players.

In a ‘first’ for rugby fans, Foxtel sports subscribers will access rugby for the first time in 4K Ultra HD, while for the first time, Kayo sports subscribers will be able access FOX SPORTS coverage. 

The deal follows a competitive process and comes just after the 200 days to go milestone and furthers excitement for fans in Australia, who have been snapping-up tickets in record numbers for Asia’s first Rugby World Cup. More than 26 per cent of all official travel packages sold to date have been to fans in Australia – the largest purchasers of travel packages.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "We are delighted to be welcoming FOX SPORTS as rights holding broadcasters for Rugby World Cup 2019. They are long-standing supporters of rugby in Australia, broadcast innovators, and with all of the big matches being shown in prime-time slots, will be a destination for Australian sports fans in September, October and November."

Head of FOX SPORTS Peter Campbell added: "Rugby World Cup 2019 is the biggest sports event this year, and the only place to see all 48 games live and ad-break free during play is on FOX SPORTS.

"We will create history with every Rugby World Cup 2019 game available to Foxtel sports subscribers and exclusively live in 4K Ultra HD. This will provide a stunning viewing experience like never before for sports fans.

"The modern Australian sports fan has a rich tapestry of background and heritage. Whether supporting the Wallabies or the All Blacks, England, Italy, South Africa, the USA, Fiji, or Tonga and beyond, our coverage will be for all fans no matter who you support. A global event like the Rugby World Cup 2019 is for all, irrespective of our backgrounds or sports’ code allegiance."

Network 10 will be Australia’s the free-to-air home after securing broadcast and digital rights, including live streaming and catch-up, to the biggest games of the tournament. 

Under the agreement, fans in Australia will enjoy 10 premium matches from Rugby World Cup live and free on Network 10 and 10 Play, including every Australia match right up to and including the final.

Beaumont added: "Free to air access is important to World Rugby’s desire to make rugby and Rugby World Cup as accessible as possible to rugby fans and new audiences alike. This deal, bringing together FOX SPORTS and Network 10, will guarantee unprecedented access to Asia’s first Rugby World Cup and a tournament that promises to be the most competitive to date."

Rugby World Cup tickets are currently on sale, while fans can also purchase official travel and hospitality packages. For more information visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.