UK rugby fans are facing the very real possibility of the Rugby World Cup heading behind a paywall for the first time since 1991.
Long-time broadcast partner ITV has held the UK rights to the tournament for more than three decades – but that deal could soon be history.
World Rugby is preparing to sell off the broadcast rights for the 2027 and 2031 men’s tournaments, along with the women’s editions in 2025 and 2029. And with streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime circling, fans are bracing for a major shake-up in how they watch the sport’s biggest event.
World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin has admitted that nothing is guaranteed past the Women’s World Cup in England next month – which will be free-to-air in the UK.
He told The Telegraph in 2023: “The starting point is always going to be, ‘Can we make as much of this fantastic competition – in the case of men’s and women’s World Cups – available to the biggest audiences possible?’
The secondary consideration to that is, ‘Can we do that in a way that provides the revenues that we need to continue to invest in the growth of the sport?’ So, like any sports event owner, it’s finding that balance – and there is a balance to be found there – across different markets.
So, no, we definitely won’t look at ’27 in isolation and we definitely won’t look at the UK in isolation. We’ll look at it as part of a broader sort of mix of opportunities.
A brilliant, expanded, 16-team, eight-venue Women’s Rugby World Cup in ’25, much bigger scale than we’ve ever done in Women’s World Cup before, that has to be available, particularly in the UK and the home market, for free, to the biggest audience. That’s our short-term focus.”
Gilpin didn’t rule out a pay-TV or streaming deal for the next men’s World Cup either, saying World Rugby would consider any bid “as long as there is a minimum commitment from them as partners to make the right content available”.
“There’s no doubt that free TV and partners like ITV, who have been great partners for us, are a part of that future. Because we want to reach audiences that wouldn’t otherwise pay for a subscription for rugby.”
In the UK, the final would still legally have to air on free-to-air TV – but everything else could end up behind a subscription.
📺 So Who Has Secured 2027 Rights So Far?
While UK fans wait in limbo, some countries already know exactly where they’ll be watching:
🇺🇸 United States: CBS Sports and Paramount+ will air every match live. Some games will also be shown on CBS and CBS Sports Network.
🇦🇺 Australia: Stan Sport will stream all 52 matches, while Nine Network and 9Now will show key games – including all Wallabies matches, the semi-finals, and the final – for free.
This global shift toward streaming services has fans worried the UK might be left behind – or worse, locked out without a subscription.
As it stands, UK viewers still don’t know where they’ll be watching the 2027 tournament. And with the bidding process now under way, fans are demanding clarity.
Updated 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, England get easy group
The tournament’s structure and timing now better reflect current global rankings, thanks to a late pool draw in December this year made possible by reforms in 2022.
Here’s a breakdown of the predicted groups and team bios for the RWC 2027:
🏆 Group A
South Africa 🇿🇦
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.
Argentina 🇦🇷
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they’re known for big-game upsets.
Samoa 🇼🇸
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa’s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.
Tonga 🇹🇴
The ‘Ikale Tahi’ bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.
🌍 Group B
New Zealand 🇳🇿
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction—three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.
Scotland 🏴
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.
Japan 🇯🇵
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.
Chile 🇨🇱
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.
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