Japan 2019: 857 million people watched the Rugby World Cup, 26% more than in 2015

"Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan was the most watched rugby event ever with more than 857 million people around the world watching the action via World Rugby’s network of rights-holding broadcast partners, an increase of 26 per cent from the previous tournament in England.With World Rugby producing the pictures for the first time, Asia’s first Rugby World Cup saw cumulative live audience grow from 479 million in 2015 to 501 million in 2019 - a five per cent increase - despite the time difference to the traditionally dominant rugby broadcast markets of France and the UK," indicated the international body on 09/03/2020.

"South Africa’s triumph over England was the most watched Rugby World Cup final ever with an average live audience of 44.9 million fans watching the Springboks prevail.That represented an 83 per cent increase on the live television audience for the final at Twickenham four years previously, while the total viewing figure was up by 63 per cent to 51.3 million.Interest in the UK and South Africa was high, and a combined 16.7 million people across the two countries made…