Statement: Listed Events - Rugby World Cup Finals Tournament 2019

Statement published 19 September 2019

We consulted during August and September 2019 on the request from ITV to broadcast exclusive live coverage of the Rugby World Cup 2019. The Rugby World Cup is taking place in Japan from 20 September to 2 November 2019 and consists of 48 rugby matches.

Ofcom received one response regarding the provision of suitable Welsh language coverage of the Rugby World Cup 2019. In consideration of this concern we noted in our consultation that S4C has acquired the rights for Welsh language coverage, including live coverage and evening highlights of every Wales game during the tournament, in addition to one match from each knockout round, the opening match and the final. No expressions of interest were received.

Having considered the response to the consultation and the information supplied by ITV in support of their application, Ofcom has decided to grant consent to ITV’s exclusive live coverage.