Source: World Rugby

France Télévisions and Eurosport to broadcast World Cup

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Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 will reach more households in France than ever before after France Télévisions and Eurosport were announced as tournament rights holding broadcasters in France.

Women’s rugby is a proven hit in stadia and on television in the region and the deal reaffirms France Télévisions’ commitment to one of rugby’s most prestigious events, having been host-broadcaster for the 2014 edition in Paris, which attracted a record number of viewers.

France Télévisions will broadcast the French team’s matches live and on free-to-air, along with the #WRWC2017 final on 26 August at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. They will also cover Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 on various magazine shows and via the francetvsport website and app.

Eurosport, who have previously held the rights for Rugby World Cup in France, Germany and other key European markets, will share the rights, showing 14 matches from the tournament in Dublin and Belfast.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont: “We are delighted to be partnering with France Télévisions and Eurosport as rights holders for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017. Both have a proven track record of producing excellent rugby coverage and both are excited about working on one of the hottest properties in rugby.

“Women’s rugby is one of the world’s fastest-growing team sports and in 2016 a record 39 per cent of the 1.9 million participants in our Get Into Rugby programme were girls. With what is promising to be an unprecedented broadcast, digital and social footprint, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 is set to inspire a whole new generation of girls and boys to get into the sport.”

French passion for women’s rugby was highlighted at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 when 2.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the semi-final between France and Canada on France Télévisions’ channel, France 4.

World Rugby and its rights-holding broadcasters will be providing unparalleled broadcast, digital and social media coverage, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before and inviting fans to join the conversation using the #WRWC2017 hashtag.

Tickets are currently on sale for the tournament and with excitement building, fans are urged not to miss out on what promises to be a fantastic festival of rugby on and off the field. Go to rwcwomens.com for more. ​

Report courtesy of World Rugby