October 11, 2025 — World Rugby and TF1 Group have renewed their historic partnership, confirming that TF1 will serve as the exclusive French broadcaster for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, set to take place in Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027.
The agreement extends a collaboration that spans more than four decades — a relationship first forged during the 1991 Rugby World Cup — and reinforces both organizations’ shared goal of bringing the thrill of world-class rugby to the widest possible audience across France.
A New Era for Global Rugby
The 11th edition of the Men’s Rugby World Cup will introduce an expanded format with 24 teams competing in 52 matches across seven iconic Australian cities, from Perth | Boorloo to Sydney | Gadigal. This new structure will include a round of 16 for the first time, adding even more excitement for fans worldwide.
Rugby World Cup 2027 is expected to be the largest international sporting event in Australia since the Sydney 2000 Olympics, with 2.5 million tickets available, including one million priced at AUD $100 or less, making it the most accessible Rugby World Cup in history.
Building on Record-Breaking Success
This renewal follows the remarkable success of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, also broadcast on TF1, which broke audience records in France. The semi-final clash between France and England attracted 3.8 million viewers, peaking at 4.6 million — the highest-ever audience for a women’s rugby match in French television history.
Similarly, the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 in France drew unprecedented engagement, with the France vs. South Africa quarter-final watched by 16.5 million viewers, TF1’s largest audience of the year and one of the most-watched rugby matches in French history.
Making Rugby Accessible to All
By renewing this partnership, TF1 Group reaffirms its commitment to offering free-to-air coverage of the world’s biggest sporting events, ensuring that millions of French viewers can experience rugby’s finest moments without barriers.
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said:
“We are thrilled to extend our long-standing partnership with TF1, a broadcaster synonymous with the biggest moments in French sport. Their passion and commitment ensure that fans across France can continue to enjoy the very best of international rugby, free-to-air. Together, we look forward to celebrating a new era of rugby in 2027.”
World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer Michel Poussau added:
“This partnership, built over four decades, is rooted in trust and shared ambition. With TF1’s reach and expertise, we aim to make Rugby World Cup 2027 the most accessible and engaging edition yet, inspiring new audiences beyond rugby’s traditional heartlands.”
François Pellissier, TF1 Group Deputy CEO for Business and Sport, emphasized:
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with World Rugby. This agreement highlights our ongoing commitment to uniting fans through major sporting events. Combined with the Nations Championship, it allows TF1 to deliver an exceptional rugby offering for French viewers.”
Julien Millereux, TF1 Group Director of Sports, added:
“With the powerful platform of the TF1 Group and a talented new generation of French players, Rugby World Cup 2027 promises to deliver an unforgettable moment of sport, passion, and national pride.”
A Partnership That Stands the Test of Time
As the countdown to Australia 2027 begins, the renewed alliance between World Rugby and TF1 Group not only continues a proud broadcasting tradition but also signals a bold step forward for the global growth and accessibility of rugby — ensuring that the sport’s most prestigious tournament reaches fans both old and new.
