ESPN STAR Sports to broadcast Rugby World Cup in Asia

ESPN STAR Sports has been chosen as broadcast rights holder for the Rugby World Cup 2011 to be held in New Zealand.

Under the deal, ESPN STAR Sports will broadcast all 48 matches live across 13 territories in Asia, ensuring that sports fans will see every try, tackle and pass of Rugby’s premier event.

Live TV coverage on ESPN STAR Sports’ networks will be supplemented with dedicated streaming and video on demand through ESPN Player and MobileESPN in Singapore and weekly highlights programming in several territories.

“Asia is a major growth region for Rugby and the IRB is committed to ensuring that sports fans across the Region are able to experience our showcase event,” said Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) Managing Director, Mike Miller. “ESPN STAR Sports is recognised as Asia’s leading sports broadcaster and through extensive Rugby World Cup 2011 programming, it will deliver the platform for Rugby to engage new fans across the Region.”

The deal will see ESPN STAR Sports broadcast all the action in Singapore, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Vietnam.

Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off on 9 September with hosts New Zealand against Tonga at Eden Park. The final will be played on 23 October 2011.