Bad News for Rugby Fans: 2027 World Cup Heading Behind a Paywall
Yesterday at 05:13 PM
The Rugby World Cup could be heading behind a paywall in the UK from 2027, with World Rugby exploring ways to cash in on its biggest tournament.
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Right now, the only match legally required to be on free-to-air (FTA) TV in the UK is the final—thanks to the government's list of 'crown jewel' events. But since 1991, every edition has been shown on FTA, with ITV taking the reins from the BBC.
Big money calls?
World Rugby has previously turned down offers from pay-TV giants like Sky Sports, opting for the wider reach of terrestrial TV. But times are changing. The governing body has already teamed up with subscription broadcasters in Italy, South Africa, and New Zealand, and its own streaming platform, Rugbypass.TV, is now up and running.
CEO Alan Gilpin told The Telegraph that the rise of Netflix and Amazon Prime has opened up new possibilities, forcing the organisation to rethink its approach.
The balancing act
While reach remains a priority, World Rugby also needs to bring in the cash to grow the sport. Gilpin admitted it's a delicate balance but didn't rule out a shift towards paid platforms.
"There's no doubt that free TV and partners like ITV, who have been great partners for us, are a part of that future," he said. "Because we want to reach audiences that wouldn't otherwise pay for a subscription for rugby."
Could we be watching the World Cup on Amazon Prime in 2027? The debate is heating up.
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POOL A: England's Worst-Case Scenario?
- South Africa (Defending champions and perennial powerhouses)
- England
- Japan
- Tonga (Physical and unpredictable)
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POOL B: Host Nation's Showdown
- Ireland
- Australia (Hosts looking for redemption)
- Samoa
- Uruguay
POOL C: Pacific Flair Meets Powerhouses
- New Zealand
- Fiji (Giants killers in recent years)
- Japan
- Romania
POOL D: A South American Shake-Up
- France
- Italy
- Portugal
- Chile
POOL E: Celtic Clashes
- Argentina
- Wales
- USA
- Canada
POOL F: Familiar Foes
- Scotland
- Georgia
- Spain
- Hong Kong
For England, avoiding Pool A and its daunting prospect of facing South Africa would be crucial. The clock is ticking for Borthwick to turn England's form around—or the 2027 World Cup could become an uphill battle before it even begins.
The Top Five Overrated Six Nations Rugby Players
#5. George North (Wales)
Born in 1992, George North burst onto the scene as a teenage sensation, scoring two tries on his international debut against South Africa in 2010. Known for his blistering pace and physicality, the versatile wing and centre became one of Wales’ most recognisable players during their Six Nations triumphs in 2012 and 2013. However, injuries and inconsistent form have seen his performances decline in recent years, leading to criticism of his ongoing hype.
“He had a few good years between 2011-2013 and then he has died down. Hasn’t looked good as the commentary teams make him out to be.”
"George bloody North!"
#4. Chris Ashton (England)
Chris Ashton, born in 1987, began his career in rugby league before switching codes and becoming one of England's most prolific try-scorers in union. Famous for his signature “Ash Splash” try celebration, Ashton thrived at clubs like Northampton Saints and Saracens. He earned 44 caps for England, scoring 20 tries, but his career has often been marred by criticism of his defensive frailties and reliance on finishing the work of others.
“Lazy player with a terrible workrate, decent positioning at times that sees him finish off the good work of other players and get all the undeserved credit. Poor tackler too.”
"That man lived off his 'solo' try against Australia and managed to get in the England team every time. He couldn't tackle a crossword!"
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