Fans in Fiji will enjoy comprehensive free-to-air coverage of Rugby World Cup 2019 after World Rugby announced Fiji TV as a rights-holding broadcaster.
Under the deal, Fiji TV will screen all 48 matches from rugby’s showcase event, including all of Fiji’s matches, the knockout matches and the Rugby World Cup final.
The deal extends Fiji TV’s long association with Rugby World Cup, stretching back to 1999 and adds to their strong portfolio of World Rugby rights, including Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018, the men's and women's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the World Rugby U20 Championship.
Fiji are currently ninth in the World Rugby Rankings and will compete in Pool D alongside Australia, Wales, Georgia and Uruguay.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "We are delighted to be appointing Fiji TV as rights-holding broadcaster for Rugby World Cup 2019. They are long-standing supporters of rugby, and with the matches taking place in a favourable timezone, I am sure that Fijians will be out in force to cheer on their team and support the tournament.”
Fiji TV Chief Executive Officer Karen Lobendahn said: “Fiji TV is once again delighted to be able to secure the official broadcast rights for Rugby World Cup, and is positive it will receive the viewership it deserves. Coming from a rugby-crazed nation, this is a positive investment for the company, and I believe that we will not only give value to our sponsors, but give the viewers compelling content to watch.”
Under the deal, Fiji TV has sub-licensing rights for the Pacific, including the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.