Fans unhappy as Rugby World Cup could go behind paywall in the UK
Rugby NewsWednesday, 06 August 2025 at 20:39
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.
☘️ Group C
Ireland ??
The current Six Nations champions and long-time world number one, Ireland seek to finally break their quarterfinal curse with a golden generation.
The current Six Nations champions and long-time world number one, Ireland seek to finally break their quarterfinal curse with a golden generation.
Fiji ??
Masters of running rugby, Fiji’s offloading game and growing discipline under top-tier coaching make them a serious threat to any opponent.
Masters of running rugby, Fiji’s offloading game and growing discipline under top-tier coaching make them a serious threat to any opponent.
Spain ??
Los Leones are rapidly growing in the European rugby scene, blending speed and flair. Their qualification signals a new frontier for Spanish sport.
Los Leones are rapidly growing in the European rugby scene, blending speed and flair. Their qualification signals a new frontier for Spanish sport.
Romania ??
One of Europe’s oldest rugby nations, the Oaks are known for forward dominance and proud World Cup heritage dating back to the tournament's inception.
One of Europe’s oldest rugby nations, the Oaks are known for forward dominance and proud World Cup heritage dating back to the tournament's inception.
?? Group D
France ??
With dazzling backs and a rock-solid forward pack, Les Bleus are perennial contenders. Hosting in 2023 has reinvigorated their World Cup ambitions.
With dazzling backs and a rock-solid forward pack, Les Bleus are perennial contenders. Hosting in 2023 has reinvigorated their World Cup ambitions.
Italy ??
Improving steadily in the Six Nations, Italy combines young talent with seasoned veterans, eager to progress past the pool stage for the first time.
Improving steadily in the Six Nations, Italy combines young talent with seasoned veterans, eager to progress past the pool stage for the first time.
USA ??
The Eagles are building toward hosting the 2031 RWC, and 2027 will be a crucial stepping stone. Athleticism is abundant—structure is the next step.
The Eagles are building toward hosting the 2031 RWC, and 2027 will be a crucial stepping stone. Athleticism is abundant—structure is the next step.
Belgium ??
A surprise qualifier, Belgium’s Black Devils have risen thanks to domestic development and strategic coaching. This is their chance to make history.
A surprise qualifier, Belgium’s Black Devils have risen thanks to domestic development and strategic coaching. This is their chance to make history.
?☠️ Group E
England ?
The 2003 world champions remain a major force. With a powerful set piece and tactical nous, they always make deep runs in World Cups.
The 2003 world champions remain a major force. With a powerful set piece and tactical nous, they always make deep runs in World Cups.
Georgia ??
Kings of the scrum, Georgia has long pushed for inclusion in the Six Nations. 2027 could be their breakout year on the global stage.
Kings of the scrum, Georgia has long pushed for inclusion in the Six Nations. 2027 could be their breakout year on the global stage.
Uruguay ??
Los Teros have become a staple at RWCs and continue to punch above their weight, fueled by tenacity and growing domestic structures.
Los Teros have become a staple at RWCs and continue to punch above their weight, fueled by tenacity and growing domestic structures.
Hong Kong China ??
A fast-developing rugby nation, Hong Kong brings agility and speed. Their appearance in 2027 is a testament to Asia’s growing rugby footprint.
A fast-developing rugby nation, Hong Kong brings agility and speed. Their appearance in 2027 is a testament to Asia’s growing rugby footprint.
? Group F
Australia ?? (Host)
Two-time champions and hosts of RWC 2027, the Wallabies are looking to bounce back from recent struggles with the home crowd behind them.
Two-time champions and hosts of RWC 2027, the Wallabies are looking to bounce back from recent struggles with the home crowd behind them.
Wales ?
A proud rugby nation with three semifinal appearances, Wales combines tradition with explosive talent in the backline.
A proud rugby nation with three semifinal appearances, Wales combines tradition with explosive talent in the backline.
Portugal ??
The "Lobos" won hearts in 2023 with their fearless play. Technically sharp and fast-improving, they are no longer underdogs.
The "Lobos" won hearts in 2023 with their fearless play. Technically sharp and fast-improving, they are no longer underdogs.
Zimbabwe ??
Returning to the RWC stage for the first time in decades, Zimbabwe’s qualification marks a historic comeback for African rugby.
Returning to the RWC stage for the first time in decades, Zimbabwe’s qualification marks a historic comeback for African rugby.
?️ A Tournament of Opportunity
The expanded format ensures more nations, more stories, and more reasons to believe in rugby’s global mission. For some teams, it’s about lifting the Webb Ellis Cup. For others, it’s about making history, inspiring a new generation, and proving that rugby is for everyone, everywhere.
With Australia as the host—rugby-mad and world-class—the stage is set for the most inclusive Rugby World Cup ever.
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