Pay-television heavyweight BeIN Sports has renewed exclusive rights in 10 countries across Southeast Asia to the men’s Rugby World Cup.

Through the tie-up between Qatar-based BeIN and the World Rugby governing body, the broadcaster will show this year’s edition of the top national teams’ rugby union event across Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Philippines, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. The 2023 Rugby World Cup will take place in France between September 8 and October 28.

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BeIN also covered the 2019 edition of the tournament, which took place in Japan, in Southeast Asia.

BeIN Sports will put all 48 World Cup games on a dedicated pop-up channel, BeIN Sports Rugby, as well as on the BeIN Sports Connect live-streaming platform.

As well as the live matches, there will be player interviews, analysis, in-depth commentary, and behind-the-scenes features.

The channel will be available “on select pay-TV platforms in the region and BeIN Sports Connect.”

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BeIN Sports Rugby will air between September 1 and November 5.

Alan Gilpin, chief executive at World Rugby, said: “We are delighted to extend our successful relationship with BeIN for the Rugby World Cup 2023. Following a transformational Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, the first in Asia, we have seen millions across the continent falling in love with our sport and we are confident BeIN Sports will offer rugby fans the best-possible Rugby World Cup experience, accelerating rugby’s fan and participation base in Asia.”

Mike Kerr, BeIN’s managing director for Asia-Pacific, added: “Since the last Rugby World Cup in Japan, the rugby fan base in Asia has grown considerably. The partnership between World Rugby and BeIN Sports is an excellent opportunity to showcase the sport to a wider audience, furthering the growth and interest in this region. BeIN Sports remains committed to bringing high-quality coverage and enhancing fans’ experience across all screens.”

Last month, New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME), the heavyweight media group in the country, announced that it had secured audio broadcasting rights to the Rugby World Cup.

As part of the agreement, NZME will broadcast all New Zealand games from the premier rugby union national teams tournament live across three of its audio brands – Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport, and The Alternative Commentary Collective, as well as via their channels on the iHeartRadio audio streaming platform.