By Nick Butler

TF1 has been awarded broadcasting rights for the 2015 Rugby World CupNovember 6 - Television station TF1 have been appointed with sole television broadcasting rights in France for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, following their success in delivering both the 2007 and 2011 events.


TF1 is the largest and oldest television station in France and considered one of the most viewed in Europe, and boasts a long history of broadcasting sporting and other live events.

Under the terms of the deal, they will manage live broadcasts of all 48 Rugby World Cup matches, including the final, while they will also deliver highlights packages on television as well as on other digital and mobile platforms. 

The deal, which was announced by tournament owners Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL), comes after a "highly competitive tender process" for rights which are among the highest rated in the Rugby World Cup broadcast portfolio, it is claimed.

No exact figure has been released but the deal is believed to be worth close to the €40 million ($54 million/£34 million) sum which they paid for the 2011 rights.

The French market delivered 17.8 million viewers for the final in 2011, where France were defeated by New Zealand 8-7 in a nail-biting encounter.

This represented an 87 per cent audience share, while an ever greater number of 20 million tuned in for the semi-final four years earlier in 2007 where France lost again - this time to England,

On that occasion TF1 was also the host broadcaster of an event held predominantly on French shores.

French television viewers on TF1 will be hoping to see the French team go one step better than their runners-up spot at the 2011 World CupFrench television viewers on TF1 will be hoping to see the French team go one step better than their runners-up spot at the 2011 World Cup


Rugby World Cup Limited chairman Bernard Lapasset, who is also head of the International Rugby Board (IRB)  and a Frenchman, spoke positively about the latest deal and predicted a continuation of past success.

"Rugby World Cup and TF1 have enjoyed a long and highly-successful partnership," he said. 

"Through its passion and dedication for Rugby and exceptional production values, TF1 has played a leading role in the promotion of the sport and Rugby World Cup and we look forward to extending our strong partnership to deliver an exciting experience for sports fans in France."

"We are extremely excited about our broadcast offering for England 2015, which is on track to deliver record numbers of broadcasters, live hours and digital and we will be shortly announcing a schedule of kick-off times that will maximise exposure and engagement."

These views were reinforced by TF1 Group chairman Nonce Paolini, who claimed the "signature of the contract with Rugby World Cup Limited is excellent news for the Group."

"Following the strong success of previous Rugby World Cups on our channel, the TF1 Group will bring an exciting viewing platform for this magnificent spectacle to viewers across France."