For the second time in a row, rugby league fans will have to turn their attention away from Channel Nine if they want to watch the game’s international showpiece event, with the Seven Network securing the broadcast rights for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Under the agreement, the channel will show each and every one of the competition’s 28 games live, on free-to-air TV.
Seven broadcast the last World Cup in 2013 to Australian audiences, and their latest agreement will see them become the host broadcaster for the 2017 edition, which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP FIXTURES
However, rather than just the free-to-air rights for the World Cup, Seven has secured a complete broadcast deal, which includes subscription, online and mobile rights on top of the free-to-air license.
The deal continues to grow Seven’s impressive live sport portfolio; they will broadcast the upcoming Rio Olympics and Paralympics on their digital platforms as well as on TV, and are also the free-to-air broadcaster of the AFL, Australian Open and Melbourne Cup.
“We’re delighted to be the home of the Rugby League World Cup,” said Tim Worner, Seven West Media’s managing director and CEO.
“Our securing of the Cup is yet another step in our development as we build the platforms to create our future.”
Michael Brown, the CEO of the upcoming World Cup, also welcomed the deal.
“The Seven Network is widely renowned as a leader in sports broadcasting and the Rugby League World Cup 2017 Organising Committee is excited by the opportunities that this partnership presents to both the tournament and the sport as a whole,” Brown said.
“The Rugby League World Cup 2017 will be the greatest sporting event in Australia next year and we look forward to working with Seven to deliver an event that will entertain the world, inspire communities and celebrate Rugby League.”
The 2017 Rugby League World Cup will be held in Australia and New Zealand late next year, runnings from October 27 to December 2. The draw for the tournament will be announced tomorrow.
Bruce Dingle
Guest
Thanks for your TV coverage of the World Cup. I have watched every game so far. However, there is one problem. There is so much crowd noise that the commentators voices are very hard to hear, even when there is low crowd noise. This applies to every game. Regards, Bruce Dingle.
Toots
Guest
I live in Newcastle and prime 7 here only broadcasts in S.D. While most of Australia will watch the Rugby league World Cup in H.D. I’ll have to settle for a grainy S.D. coverage! Nice one prime!!!
lenny duroux
Guest
Ray Warren is the best in the business NOT these non professional idoits like channel 7
lenny duroux
Guest
Hopeless What will Bruce be doing the games he wouldn't know Rugby league rules
Birdy
Guest
What is the point of a rugby union domestic comp?
Michael Keeffe
Roar Guru
I think he's a great commentator
FNQ
Guest
How many ex Kangaroos will be playing for other countries??
Kingcowboy
Guest
Has Nine ever done a Hunters game in the Q Cup from PNG? I can't remember seeing one!
Judge Smails
Guest
'Rabbids' is hysterical. I switch off when he is on the mike. You cannot enjoy the game with him on.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
And this is only for the Australian rights.
Cathar Treize
Guest
Im implying its a good point to the tournament that the sport can garner $8-10 million in TV money for the Oz rights alone and attract FTA coverage for the RLWC Whether that's good or bad for you is up to your perspective.
Jimmmy
Guest
It's a competition between rugby league national teams to see who is the best. Much like the rugby World Cup, only infinitely more enjoyable.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
He did. It was great to listen to. His call, along with Darryl Halligan, was just fun to listen to. Halligan is so Kiwi biased but it comes across as enjoyable and fun. The way he enunciates his views feels innocent and fresh, completely at odds with the bias of Vautin and those dunderheads. As for Voss, when he called Shaun Johnson the Road Runner, booya, classic commentary right there.
Scrumpoacher
Guest
Are you implying that's a good or bad number?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Think he might of.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Same as for any event involving different countries.Exposure,opportunities and eventual grassroots growth. All codes started from a small base. Last two RLWCs made decent profits ,to assist new countries long term.If they were continuing loss making ventures then it would be futile .Making $8-12m profit suggests it isn't futile. Rugby league had their first in the 50s,so its hardly a novelty for the code.
Naveen Razik
Roar Pro
My guess is that they may only just send a comms team there, and have the presenters/analysts in a studio. I don't know if they are producing the world feed.
duecer
Guest
Such has been the talk up of his role that anything less than runner up will be an abject failure. Unfortunately, the RL stocks in England have been in decline since the 70's, so it is wishful thinking that they can match it with Australia, let alone NZ.
Naveen Razik
Roar Pro
I'd expect all but AUS/KIWIS and Finals to be shafted on to 7Two/Mate, but its a great deal.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Didn't vossy do the call for seven last world cup?