It has taken some time, it has taken the energy and participation of fans, administrators, coaches, players and families, and, the IRB (International Rugby Board) today has announced that the Rugby World Cup will be broadcast live on NBC in the United States.
The compete story is available on the Official RWC Website.
Given the recent success of televised rugby in the USA (USA Sevens, Churchill Cup), this broadcast announcement is made at an opportune time for the build-up of rugby and will quickly seize the imagination of the growing US rugby public.
Comments
Hard to believe. I'll have to wait and see before I actually accept the fact NBC will actually go through with it.
I'll keep wishing and hoping for that 24 hour rugby channel dedicated to the best sport on the planet.
Thanks for the article!
GOOD ABOUT TIME
I'll believe it when I actually see NBC televise the games.
I live in U.S.A. and have been thinking that the people of this country have been missing this king of sports <-- this is only my humble opinion; no offence. I hope sponcers' announcements of U.S. will not interfere with the fabulous rule of rugby, advantage rule.
Unfortunately the Universal schedule of the early rounds only has USA games. There is no coverage of New Zealand-France, SA-Wales or Ausralia-Ireland. It is far beter than what we've had in the past but it couls be so much better...
NBC's coverage is a total con job. Some effort they're making to promote the sport.
The original announcement had so much promise, but then the spirit of Ebersol kicked in.
Between NBC & Universal Sports, 10 of the 48 games being shown on TV. Not all are live. Not all USA pool games are live. Roughly an 11 hour delay of the Final. They want $130 to watch 38 games online live, or $25 a game. These people shouldn't be trusted with sports rights of any nature.
This coverage of the RWC is a farce. I can't believe that they call this their best effort. The American fans of this sport deserve so much more than this. What ever happened to the phrase if you build it they will come. I truly believe that this world cup could bring so many new fans to the great sport that we all love.
Pathetic.
all games should be shown, preferably live, but if not delayed by time restraints for suitable viewing.
usa would then have a greater appreciation and support for rugby as a competitive team sport
Thats what happens when you live in a 3rd world country
How is showing 3 of the 48 games - tape delayed - coverage? Shame on NBC and the IRB. It is very frustrating to continue to read articles like this that continue to distort the truth. I think the writers owe readers a retraction. By the way, coverage is worse this World Cup than in prior World Cups.
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