Fiji TV Announced as Rugby World Cup 2011 and 2015 Broadcaster
Huge crowds made the 2007 RWC a success. photo Zoomfiji
Nili Latu directs traffic. photo Zoomfiji
Samoan big men. photo Zoomfiji
Mosese Rauluni leads Fiji out. photo Zoomfiji
Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) has confirmed the appointment of Fiji TV as the Exclusive Rugby World Cup Broadcaster for both-Rugby World Cup 2011 and Rugby World Cup 2015 throughout the Pacific Islands.
The announcement is another boost for Rugby World Cup, which is Rugby’s global showcase tournament and one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, generating a worldwide global television audience of over 4 billion.
The two-tournament deal extends Fiji TV’s Rugby World Cup Rights Holding status and will ensure that Rugby World Cup reaches more homes than ever before in the Pacific Islands, while reaching out to new audiences within the Region. Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “The Pacific Islands are synonymous with Rugby Union and this announcement is a big boost for Rugby in this important Region and also for Rugby World Cup. In selecting the broadcast partner for the Region, RWCL believes that Fiji TV will deliver the perfect platform for Rugby fans in the South Pacific to enjoy all the action from what promise to be two very special RWC tournaments.”
With unprecedented anticipation building in the Islands ahead of a tournament that will see Tonga feature in the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2011 against hosts New Zealand at Auckland’s Eden Park, Fiji TV will provide the platform for audiences across the Region to fully engage in an event that will take place in a favourable time zone.
Fiji TV Group Chief Executive Officer Tarun Patel said: “Rugby World Cup is the ultimate sporting event for the South Pacific, especially in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. The fact that Fiji TV has been licensed exclusively for two Rugby World Cup tournaments is not only a huge vote of confidence in Fiji TV and our staff and our dedication to Rugby, but it’s also a responsibility that we take very seriously.”
“This deal gives Fiji TV viewers a consistent platform for viewing the next two Rugby World Cups and gives us the opportunity to build a service that delivers excellent production values and also underlines our commitment to the promotion and growth of Rugby across the Region. We are very proud to be broadcasting Rugby’s premier global tournament.”
Winning the rights to Rugby World Cup 2011 and 2015 completes an extensive portfolio of Rugby broadcasting across the Region, including partnering with the Fiji Rugby Union to televise School and domestic Rugby in Fiji, the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup and the IRB Sevens World Series.