beIN SPORTS secures exclusive rights to Rugby World Cup 2019 and launches pop-up channel for the tournament

beIN Asia Pacific has secured exclusive rights to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in the region.

The countries where beIN will have the broadcast rights are Cambodia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Singapore.  

The tournament, being hosted by Japan, is expected to generate a great amount of interest in the sport across Asia. 

All 48 matches being played in the tournament will be available on a dedicated channel, beIN SPORTS RUGBY and beIN’s live-streaming app, beIN SPORTS CONNECT.  

The new pop-up channel will be available on pay TV platforms from September 6 to November 10.  

Mike Kerr, managing director, beIN ASIA PACIFIC, said: “The rugby fanbase in Asia has grown considerably since the last Rugby World Cup. With the tournament set in Asia for the very first time, it will be an amazing spectacle and a game-changer for the sport.  

We are incredibly excited to be a part of this momentous event and are committed to bringing high-quality coverage and enhancing fans’ experience across beIN’s multiple touchpoints.”

 Sir Bill Beaumont, World Rugby Chairman, added: “We are delighted to be welcoming beIN Asia Pacific to the Rugby World Cup 2019 rights-holding broadcast family. As home region for the tournament, Asia is a very important market for rugby participation and fanbase growth and we are excited about the comprehensive platform that will be provided by beIN, a passionate leader in sport’s broadcasting. In partnership with them we will reach and convert a new fanbase, benefitting the sport long after the tournament has finished.”

Host country Japan will meet debutant Russia at the tournament’s curtain-raiser on Friday, September 20 at 6.45pm (SGT/HKT).