The BBC has announced that it has secured the exclusive audio rights to cover the tenth-annual Rugby World Cup this year across its broadcast channels and on BBC Sounds.
Sports podcast Rugby Union Daily on BBC Sounds will report on news, debates, and big issues from all 48 matches within the tournament, which is being held in France starting 8 September. The BBC 5 Live podcast, which is being upped in volume from weekly to daily episodes for the tournament, is hosted by rugby union players Ugo Monye, Chris Jones, and Danny Care.
“We are delighted that BBC have secured the UK audio rights for Rugby World Cup 2023,” said World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont. “With almost 100 days to go, France 2023 is shaping-up to be the greatest celebration of rugby and togetherness in the sport’s 200th birthday year and the BBC’s expert storytelling, reporting, commentary and analysis will ensure listeners are at the heart of the celebrations.”
In addition to the podcast, live coverage and radio commentary from the tournament will be exclusively broadcast across BBC channels including BBC Radio 5 and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra on BBC Sounds. There will also be bespoke content for nations across BBC Scotland, BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Northern Ireland.
The BBC Sport website will also provide live coverage for fans as well as other extra content such as stories from the pitch and behind-the-scenes updates throughout the tournament.
This is the third time that the BBC has secured exclusive audio rights over the Rugby World Cup as it did for the 2019 edition which was held in Japan and the 2015 edition which was held in England.
“We are thrilled to once again secure the audio rights for the Rugby World Cup,” said BBC Radio 5 Live controller Heidi Dawson. “We will have live radio coverage on 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra, as well as a podcast on BBC Sounds from the Rugby Union Daily team, and extensive digital content to ensure all the action is brought to rugby fans across the UK.”
