ITV secure rights for 2011 and 2015 World Cups

ITV has been awarded host broadcasting rights for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

And they have also gained United Kingdom rights for the next World Cup, to be staged in New Zealand during September and October 2011.

The decisions, both subject to contract, were announced by Rugby World Cup Limited following what they described as a “rigorous process” during the past two months.

Five parties submitted bids for UK broadcast rights, and under terms of the new deal ITV will broadcast live coverage of every match in the next two World Cup tournaments.

ITV has screened every Rugby World Cup since 1991.

Niall Sloane, ITV’s Controller of Sport, said: “ITV has a long association with Rugby World Cup. We are delighted to have secured the next two Rugby World Cups free-to-air for ITV’s viewers, particularly as the 2015 tournament takes place in England.

“Rugby World Cup has provided some of sport’s most iconic television moments of recent decades.

“Alongside live coverage of the FIFA World Cup, England football internationals, UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup, it is a key part of ITV1’s commitment to high-quality live sport.”

The 2011 World Cup kicks off in Auckland on September 9 next year when New Zealand host Tonga at Eden Park.