MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited (SPN) has acquired the exclusive media rights for Rugby World Cup 2019 from the Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL). The tournament will be held in Japan from 20th September to 2nd November 2019 and telecast in India live and exclusive on the SONY TEN 2 channels and will be livestreamed on SPN’s premium video on demand (VOD) service, SonyLIV. The terms of the deal include exclusive television and digital rights across territories in the Indian subcontinent: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and exclusive pay television and digital rights for Sri Lanka.  

The Rugby World Cup is the world’s most prestigious rugby tournament and sees participation from the top rugby teams in the world. Held every four years, the 2019 edition of the Rugby World Cup is the ninth edition of the tournament and will see 20 teams playing 48 matches across 12 venues in Japan for the coveted Webb Ellis Cup. Participating nations include the defending champions New Zealand, Ireland, England, Wales, South Africa, Australia, Scotland, France, Fiji and Argentina amongst others.

Rugby is a fast-growing sport in India, with a dedicated fan base and talented local athletes. India is enjoying a significant surge in rugby participation and interest and is home to a fan base of 23 million (43 per cent are female) according to the latest Nielsen research, demonstrating the huge potential of one of the world's most populous nations. Introduced to India in the late 1800s, Indian rugby players have managed to make a mark on the global stage over the years by putting up strong performances. As Indian audiences shift from being pure cricket viewers to multi-sports viewers, the popularity of rugby is on the rise.