RTÉ and Virgin Media secure Rugby World Cup 2023 rights

Rugby fans all over Ireland can look forward to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with RTÉ and Virgin Media securing the broadcasting rights for the tournament. The announcement was made in May 2021, following a competitive bidding process. The deal ensures that all 48 matches will be available for viewers in Ireland to watch.

RTÉ and Virgin Media’s Winning Bid

RTÉ and Virgin Media beat out competition from other broadcasters to secure the rights to broadcast the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Ireland. The agreement ensures that all 48 matches will be available to viewers in Ireland. This includes live coverage of all matches, as well as highlights and analysis programs.

The joint bid by RTÉ and Virgin Media is the first time the broadcasting rights for the Rugby World Cup have been shared in Ireland. The two broadcasters have a long history of working together to bring sports events to Irish viewers, including the Six Nations rugby tournament and the GAA championships.

World Rugby Chief Executive Officer Alan Gilpin said:

“There has perhaps never been a better time to be an Ireland rugby fan. Number one in the world and going for a Grand Slam this weekend adds to the anticipation ahead of what promises to be a very special Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. We are delighted that RTÉ and Virgin Media will be telling every moment of the France 2023 story on their free-to-air platforms. They share our passion for Rugby and its ability to attract new audiences and we look forward to working together to make this tournament a tournament to remember.”

RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes said:

“Over the last number of years, we have been focused on acquiring sports rights to ensure that our national games and our national teams in action are shared with the widest possible audience. We are delighted to make this latest agreement with World Rugby ensuring that the entire Rugby World Cup tournament is brought to Irish audiences free to air across RTÉ and Virgin Media Television. It’s the jewel in the crown of international rugby and given the Irish team’s phenomenal performance, the excitement is building towards September. It’s a fantastic result that ensures Irish audiences won’t miss any of the action”

What Does This Mean for Rugby Fans in Ireland?

Rugby fans in Ireland can look forward to comprehensive coverage of the 2023 Rugby World Cup and both RTÉ and Virgin Media will broadcast the live tournament, fans will have access to a wide range of programming, including live matches, highlights, and analysis. This means that Rugby fans can watch all Rugby world cup 2023 matches, no matter where they are in Ireland.

The news that RTÉ and Virgin Media have secured the broadcasting rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Ireland is a welcome development for rugby fans across the country. With both broadcasters working together, fans can look forward to comprehensive coverage of the tournament, including live matches, highlights, and analysis. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports events around the world remains uncertain, but organizers are hopeful that the 2023 Rugby World Cup will go ahead as planned.