Rugby: TF1 acquires TV rights to the 2023 (men's) and 2021 (women's; played in 2022) World Cups

The French TV group TF1 has acquired the broadcasting rights in France to the men's 2023 Rugby World Cup (organised in France from 08/09 to 28/10/2023) and the women's 2021 Rugby World Cup (organised in New Zealand and postponed by one year, from 08/10 to 12/11/2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic), from World Rugby, announced the free-TV group on 03/09/2021. The deal is reported to be worth €85m according to the website Rugbyrama.

It is not yet known whether TF1 will sub-license some of the matches to a pay-TV channel. TF1 group has been broadcasting the Rugby World Cup since 1991 (with the exception of the 2003 edition).

The deal reaffirms "TF1's ambition to provide free-to-air coverage of the best international sporting events. Hosted by France, Rugby World Cup 2023 will be the biggest event on the global sporting calendar in 2023. The competition will kick off at the Stade de France for a match between the French national team and the All Blacks," said TF1.

"The deal builds on TF1's commitment to leading coverage of women's sport, which saw the broadcaster deliver innovative…