ITV announced during their coverage of England v France that they have secured the rights to the next two Rugby World Cups.
Sky had been interested in covering the tournament but this announcement means the World Cup will now remain on free-to-air television for the foreseeable future.
ITV also saw off competition from Sky six years ago when landing the 2011 and 2015 World Cups for £60 million.
The value of the rights has soared following last year’s tournament in England, which was by far the most successful to date.
ITV announce they have secured UK broadcast rights to 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups – and also Women’ Rugby World Cup.
— Graham Jenkins (@grahamajenkins) February 4, 2017
ITV confirm rights secured to broadcast 2019 Rugby World Cup. Great news for my projector. Now, time to put the French to bed pic.twitter.com/7U9MxWrCRj
— Samuel Atkins (@SGAphotograph) February 4, 2017
#RugbyUnion: ITV set to retain Rugby World Cup rights for 2019 and 2023 tournaments: https://t.co/rnb8N43C13 @TVSportsMarkets (£) pic.twitter.com/6xa2E2KiPI
— Sport On The Box (@SportOnTheBox) November 21, 2016