TSN announced today it has reached an exclusive, multimedia rights agreement with Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) for the upcoming RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 and RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015. The deal also includes French language rights for RDS. This marks the first time TSN has broadcast the Rugby World Cup since 1995.
As part of the deal, every RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 match will be broadcast live on either TSN, TSN2 or TSN.ca.
TSN, TSN2 and TSN Mobile TV will deliver live broadcasts of all Team Canada matches, the quarter-finals, semifinals and Finals along with other key matches from the 2011 and 2015 tournaments. Select matches will be broadcast live exclusively on TSN.ca. See attached PDF for full broadcast details.
The RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 runs from Friday, Sept. 9 to Sunday, Oct. 23 in New Zealand, and includes a total of 48 matches featuring the Top 20 teams from around the world. RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 takes place in England.
Canada is currently ranked 16 in the world. During the RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011, they play in a competitive Pool A along with New Zealand, France, Tonga and Japan.
SPORTSCENTRE and TSN.ca will complement TSN’s RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011coverage with news, analysis and video from New Zealand. ESPN Classic will showcase great matches from past RUGBY WORLD CUPS.
“The RUGBY WORLD CUP is a huge, internationally-celebrated event that attracts millions of viewers from around the world and continues to grow in popularity in Canada,” said Shawn Redmond, Vice-President of Programming, TSN. “We are looking forward to showcasing rugby’s marquee event to Canadian sports fans across all TSN platforms as Team Canada looks to make their mark on the international stage.”
“Today’s announcement represents a significant boost for the reach and profile of rugby in Canada,” said RWCL Managing Director Mike Miller. “TSN is Canada’s leading sports broadcaster renowned for its high quality broadcasting of major international sports events. They will bring their unique sound, style and passion for live sport to a tournament that is firmly established as one of the world’s premier sports events.”
Canada–United States International Friendly Matches
TSN also confirmed today that the network will broadcast Team Canada’s two upcoming international friendly matches against the United States. Team Canada takes on the #17 ranked United States at BMO field in Toronto and TSN will have live coverage on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. ET. The two rivals face-off again in Denver on Aug.13 at 9 p.m. ET airing live on TSN2.
