Rugby World Cup 2027 to Be Behind a Paywall

Wednesday, 03 June 2026 at 12:33

byRugby Rucker

World Rugby has confirmed a new multi-year broadcast agreement with CANAL+ Group covering major international competitions, including the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women's Rugby World Cup 2029.

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Under the deal, fans across Sub-Saharan Africa will be able to watch the tournaments on SuperSport via DStv. However, the announcement strongly suggests that coverage will be available through subscription services rather than free-to-air television.

CANAL+ Africa CEO David Mignot described the agreement as securing major rugby tournaments "for our subscribers" and ensuring that "our subscribers never miss out on the best sports content from the continent and from across the globe."

The repeated emphasis on subscribers indicates that the Rugby World Cups will sit behind a paywall for most viewers in the region unless separate free-to-air arrangements are announced at a later date.

The agreement also includes coverage of the World Rugby Junior World Championship and the Pacific Nations Cup as World Rugby continues its push to grow the sport's audience across Africa.

Meanwhile, the broadcast picture in the United Kingdom remains unresolved. No broadcaster has yet been officially announced for Rugby World Cup 2027, despite ITV having held UK rights to every men's tournament since 1991.

The lack of an agreement has fuelled speculation that the competition could move behind a paywall or be shared between free-to-air and subscription broadcasters, although World Rugby has yet to confirm any details.

POLL:

Rugby World Cup 2027 Full Draw: All Blacks get dream start

The full draw for the Rugby World Cup 2027 has delivered an ideal opening path for the New Zealand national rugby union team, with the three-time champions avoiding many of the tournament’s biggest threats in the early stages.

New Zealand’s favourable pool assignment has sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike, with the All Blacks appearing well placed to build momentum from the outset as they chase a fourth world title in Australia.

Pool A — New Zealand, Australia (H), Chile, Hong Kong China

Group summary

Pool A features tournament hosts Australia and three-time champions New Zealand, making it one of the headline groups of the opening phase. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting historic results, while the trans-Tasman clash between Australia and New Zealand is expected to be one of the most watched pool matches of the tournament.

Fixtures

Pool B — South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania

Group summary

Defending champions South Africa headline Pool B and begin their campaign against Italy. Georgia continue to establish themselves as a consistent World Cup presence, while Romania return aiming to challenge for third place and possible qualification via rankings.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — South Africa vs Italy
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
3 October 2027 — Georgia vs Romania
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
10 October 2027 — South Africa vs Georgia
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
11 October 2027 — Italy vs Romania
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
17 October 2027 — Italy vs Georgia
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
17 October 2027 — South Africa vs Romania
Perth Stadium, Perth

Pool C — Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada

Group summary

Pool C blends South American consistency with Pacific flair. Argentina enter as favourites, while Fiji’s attacking threat makes them dangerous opponents for any side. Spain return to the World Cup looking to make an impact, and Canada continue their rebuilding process.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — Argentina vs Canada
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
4 October 2027 — Fiji vs Spain
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
10 October 2027 — Fiji vs Canada
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
10 October 2027 — Argentina vs Spain
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
16 October 2027 — Argentina vs Fiji
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
17 October 2027 — Spain vs Canada
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville

Pool D — Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal

Group summary

Ireland and Scotland lead Pool D in what shapes as a tightly contested group. Uruguay and Portugal bring speed and tactical variety, with qualification likely to be decided by fine margins, discipline, and bonus points.

Fixtures

3 October 2027 — Scotland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
4 October 2027 — Ireland vs Portugal
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
10 October 2027 — Ireland vs Scotland
Perth Stadium, Perth
11 October 2027 — Uruguay vs Portugal
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
17 October 2027 — Ireland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
17 October 2027 — Scotland vs Portugal
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane

Pool E — France, Japan, United States, Samoa

Group summary

France headline Pool E after reaching the previous final, with Japan expected to challenge strongly for second place. Samoa and the United States provide physicality and athleticism, making this one of the more unpredictable groups.

Fixtures

2 October 2027 — France vs United States
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
3 October 2027 — Japan vs Samoa
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
9 October 2027 — United States vs Samoa
Perth Stadium, Perth
9 October 2027 — France vs Japan
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
15 October 2027 — Japan vs United States
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
17 October 2027 — France vs Samoa
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

Pool F — England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe

Group summary

Pool F is defined by the renewed rivalry between England and Wales, who will meet in one of the final pool fixtures in Sydney. Tonga’s physical style and Zimbabwe’s return to the World Cup add further intrigue, with third place potentially enough to reach the knockout stage depending on rankings.