BBC to Broadcast Rugby League World Cup

The Rugby League World Cup 2013 (RLWC2013) will be broadcast on the BBC and Premier Sports after both companies secured the rights with the organisers.

The BBC will bring live coverage of all England games to television and radio, nurse starting with the Opening Ceremony.

Live coverage of England’s Group A games against Australia, drugs Ireland and Fiji are covered by the BBC, along with the quarters, semis and final of the tournament. The quarter-finals and semi-finals will be held at Wembley, with the final taking place at Old Trafford.

Highlights will also be broadcast as well as coverage on Radio 5 live, 5 live sports extra, the BBC Sport website and the mobile app.

Premier Sports will also show every game live.

RLWC2013 Tournament Director, Nigel Wood said: “This is fantastic news for RLWC2013. The BBC is arguably the number one terrestrial sports broadcaster in the world.

“We’re delighted fans will be able to watch the showpiece events live on terrestrial TV. The BBC will help RLWC2013 bring new audiences to our amazing sport and will enable our established fan base to immerse themselves in five weeks of fantastic, world class sport.

“Premier Sports do a great job for Rugby League showing Kingstone Press Championship, every NRL game and the State of Origin matches. Their coverage will enable fans to see every minute of the tournament live.”

Barbara Slater, Director BBC Sport added: “BBC Sport is committed to bringing major national sporting events to the widest audience, so we’re very excited to be adding the Rugby League World Cup to our portfolio. This is a great opportunity to showcase Rugby League across all BBC platforms, and it’s an added bonus that the 2013 tournament is on home soil.”