beIN Asia Lands Rugby World Cup Rights

beIN Asia Pacific has acquired the exclusive rights to the Rugby World Cup 2019 in several markets in the region, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The deal for this year’s event, set to be held in Japan, also covers Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste. All 48 matches will run on a dedicated channel, beIN Sports Rugby, and will be available on the beIN Sports Connect streaming app. The new channel will be carried on partner pay-TV operators from September 6 to November 10.

“The rugby fanbase in Asia has grown considerably since the last Rugby World Cup,” said Mike Kerr, managing director of beIN Asia Pacific. “With the tournament set in Asia for the very first time, it will be an amazing spectacle and a game-changer for the sport. We are incredibly excited to be a part of this momentous event and are committed to bringing high-quality coverage and enhancing fans’ experience across beIN’s multiple touchpoints.”

Sir Bill Beaumont, World Rugby Chairman, added: “We are delighted to be welcoming beIN Asia Pacific to the Rugby World Cup 2019 rights-holding broadcast family. As home region for the tournament, Asia is a very important market for rugby participation and fanbase growth and we are excited about the comprehensive platform that will be provided by beIN, a passionate leader in sport’s broadcasting. In partnership with them, we will reach and convert a new fanbase, benefitting the sport long after the tournament has finished.”