World Rugby has announced 9 Entertainment will broadcast the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 in Australia.
The announcement was made on May 12 this year.
The broadcasts will be on 9’s leading streaming & broadcast platforms including 9, 9Now, Stan Sport & radio.
Stan Sport will show live & on demand every match of the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 while the 9 Network will show live & free half of the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027 including the final, semi-finals & every Wallabies (Australian team) match as well as half of the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2029 including every Wallaroos (Australian team) match.
World Rugby & 9 are uniting to deliver unprecedented visibility for the sport & its stars in Australia, ensuring the next generation of rugby fans is inspired by the action both on & off the field. As we enter a golden decade for the sport in Australia, we are excited to continue our fruitful relationship with 9 all the way to 2 era-defining Rugby World Cups in 2027 & 2029.
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
While the World Rugby CEO announced the broadcast deal as delivering “unprecedented visibility”, in 2003, when Australia last hosted the Rugby World Cup (men’s edition), 54% of the tournament’s matches (26/48) were shown on free-to-air television in Australia – just over half – thus meaning in 2027 when Australia hosts the tournament again, the broadcast won’t have unprecedented visibility – in fact, it will have at least slightly less. It should be pointed out that coverage of the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2029 will be the same as the Rugby World Cup – England 2025, adding to the lack of unprecedented visibility by tournament time in 2029.
The Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027 with the men’s tournament, with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027. The women’s tournament will be held in 2029 with dates yet to be determined but are likely to be held roughly in the same months as the preceding men’s tournament.
This landmark partnership is all about reigniting the love of rugby down under. With 9’s unmatched reach, expert analysis & comprehensive coverage across its broadcast and digital platforms, we are ensuring rugby is accessible to a wide audience & offering a unique and immersive destination for fans in the country.
Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair
Securing the rights to these global events is a testament to 9’s long-term strategy & deep commitment to delivering value for audiences, partners and shareholders. Major sporting bodies know they can trust 9 to bring an exceptional experience for fans that builds interest not just in the event but also engagement in their sport. Rugby is living proof of that value 9 brings.
Catherine West, 9 Chair
The Rugby World Cup agreement reinforces the power of 9. 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, 9 can bring the game to Australian audiences like no other media company can. It not just cements 9 as the home of rugby, it strengthens our position as the place for iconic national & international sport with an unmatched ability to reach audiences across any & every platform. It’s not just the fans that benefit from this partnership with World Rugby, our sponsors & advertisers know they can trust 9 to elevate their brands & engage with audiences in a meaningful and impactful way that adds to the experience for our audiences.
Matt Stanton, 9 Chief Executive Officer
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