Rugby World Cup signs deal worth more than US$2.2 million

Length of contract: 1 year
Annualised value: US$2.2 million
Overall value: US$2.2 million

03 March 2010 | Posted in Broadcast, Rugby | By Adam Fraser

Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) has awarded the New Zealand free-to-air broadcast rights for Rugby World Cup 2011 to a consortium formed between Maori TV, TVNZ and Mediaworks TV (TV3).

The rights have cost at least US$2.2 million, an amount provided by the New Zealand government. Each broadcaster has also contributed, although those amounts are, at present, unavailable. Under the deal, New Zealanders will be able to watch live free-to-air broadcast of 16 key matches, including the final, the bronze medal match, both semi-finals, the two quarter-finals featuring the qualifiers from New Zealand's pool, the New Zealand team's pool matches and the opening match.

The confirmed coverage provides the New Zealand public with the largest amount of live free-to-air international rugby since RWC 2007. This is in addition to all 48 tournament matches being produced and screened live by host broadcaster Sky New Zealand which will ensure wall-to-wall coverage in the host country.

RFU moves to new offices at Twickenham

Maori Television Services (MTS) will broadcast live all 16 free-to-air games on the English language Maori Television Channel and Maori language channel Te Reo. The deal will see TV One and TV3 screen seven live games each.