THIS year’s World Cup will be shown entirely behind a paywall in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Amid criticism for the lateness of a decision on broadcast arrangements, International Rugby League announced on Tuesday it would be going with Premier Sports for the tournament, to be played in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
The network, founded by Irishman Michael O’Rourke in 2009, broadcast matches from the 2013 and 2017 World Cups but on both occasion there was a free-to-air component via BBC.
BBC will not show any games this year.
“Premier Sports has had a strong partnership with international rugby league events for many years and has showcased some of the sport’s elite tournaments – none more so than the 2017 Rugby League World Cup,” IRL general secretary Danny Kazandjian said.
“IRL is really excited about renewing that relationship as we continue to develop our business, increasing the (federation)’s capacity to invest consistently and in a meaningful way in the global game.
“We have no doubt that Premier Sports’ customers will be enthralled by what promises to be one of the most competitive world cups in history.”
It was earlier announced Premier Sports had been granted North American rights for the tournament.
