beIN SPORTS secures RWC rights
August 8, 2019
beIN Asia Pacific – part of global sports and entertainment group beIN MEDIA GROUP – has secured exclusive rights to the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Cambodia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Singapore.
All 48 tournament matches in the Japan-based tournament will be available on a new dedicated channel, beIN SPORTS RUGBY and beIN’s live-streaming app, beIN SPORTS CONNECT. beIN SPORTS RUGBY will be available on pay-TV platforms from September 6th to November 10th. Leading up to the tournament, fans will be treated to round-the-clock rugby programmes featuring greatest moments, best tries, near hits and misses from the past Rugby World Cups. With kick-off times optimised for Asian fans, this is anticipated to be the most-watched Rugby World Cup in the region.
“The rugby fanbase in Asia has grown considerably since the last Rugby World Cup,” noted Mike Kerr, Managing Director, beIN ASIA PACIFIC. “With the tournament set in Asia for the very first time, it will be an amazing spectacle and a game-changer for the sport. We are incredibly excited to be a part of this momentous event and are committed to bringing high-quality coverage and enhancing fans’ experience across beIN’s multiple touchpoints.”
“We are delighted to be welcoming beIN Asia Pacific to the Rugby World Cup 2019 rights-holding broadcast family,” added Sir Bill Beaumont, World Rugby Chairman. “As home region for the tournament, Asia is a very important market for rugby participation and fanbase growth and we are excited about the comprehensive platform that will be provided by beIN, a passionate leader in sport’s broadcasting. In partnership with them we will reach and convert a new fanbase, benefitting the sport long after the tournament has finished.”
According to Nielsen research, Asia is home to a rugby following of more than 283 million (the largest regional following).