World Cup to be broadcast on Fox Sports, Kayo

Australian viewers will be able to watch all 61 men's, women's and wheelchair matches at the end-of-season World Cup in England live on Fox Sports.

The Foxtel Group has secured the coveted Australian broadcast rights to the World Cup, which begins with England hosting Samoa at St James Park on October 15 and concludes with the men's and women's finals at Old Trafford on November 19.

The Kangaroos will open their defence of the Paul Barriere Trophy against Fiji at Headingley on October 15 before meeting Scotland in Coventry on October 21 and Italy at St Helens on October 29.

The Jillaroos, who have won the past two World Cups in 2013 and 2017, play the Cook Islands, France and New Zealand in their pool matches at York, beginning on November 2.

The Wheelaroos are expected to open their World Cup campaign against England before a sell-out crowd at London's Copper Box Arena on November 3, before facing Ireland and Spain at the same arena in their remaining pool matches.

“We know that RLWC2021 is going to be the most watched World Cup and it is very pleasing it will be broadcast in Australia on Fox Sports, keeping the rights within the NRL family and with a network that Australian audiences are comfortable and familiar with," RLWC2021 CEO Jon Dutton said. 

"This is a great outcome for International Rugby League and Australian fans."

If the Kangaroos top their pool, they will be on a collision course to meet New Zealand - the 2008 World Cup champions and the current No.1 ranked nation - in the semi-final on November 11 at Elland Road, Leeds.

The Kiwis are grouped with Lebanon, Jamaica and Ireland.

England and Samoa, whose pool also includes France and Greece, are on the opposite side of the draw to the Kangaroos and Kiwis, along with Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands and Wales.   

“Fox League and Kayo Sports are flying this season and to now add the Rugby League World Cup is something to bang the drums about," Fox Sports executive director Steve Crawley said.

"All exclusive rights across the 61 matches of men’s, women’s and wheelchair footy very much celebrates the best of the best – on the true home of rugby league.”

Crawley said securing the broadcast rights for the World Cup would further bolsters The Foxtel Group’s suite of existing NRL, RFL and UK Super League content.

All 61 World Cup matches - comprising 31 men's matches, 15 women's matches and 15 wheelchair matches, including the November 18 final at Manchester Central - will be aired on Fox Sports and available on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.