StarzPlay secures Rugby World Cup 2023 rights, with new pop-up channel

MENA streaming platform StarzPlay has been awarded the exclusive local broadcast rights to the Rugby World Cup 2023, which gets underway in September. 

StarzPlay will livestream all 48 matches of the seven-week tournament on its new streaming pop-up channel StarzPlay Sports Rugby World Cup which is to launch on September 1. The channel will also showcase previews, highlights, news, stories from across the tournament as well as classic matches which will also be available to watch on-demand

The streamer debuted its sports service last August, featuring Serie A, Coppa Italia, World Championship boxing, UFC, ICC events annd NBA League Pass.

Andy Warkman, head of sport, StarzPlay said “We are thrilled to be streaming Rugby World Cup 2023 exclusively across MENA. This deal further cements our commitment to bring world class sport to StarzPlay. We are looking forward to delivering our extensive Rugby World Cup coverage to fans and working with World Rugby to grow the sport in the region.”

Alan Gilpin, World Rugby CEO said: “We are delighted to partner with StarzPlay to showcase Rugby World Cup 2023 in a rapidly-growing rugby market.  This collaboration reflects our shared vision of expanding the reach and popularity of rugby in the region, by making the sport more relevant and more accessible to more people. With StarzPlay’s commitment to delivering comprehensive and fan-friendly coverage of rugby’s showcase event, we are confident that France 2023 will be the most memorable and accessible for rugby enthusiasts across MENA.

Live coverage of the Rugby World Cup commences on September 8 with the opening ceremony at 10pm UAE, followed by the France and New Zealand match and the final on October 28.