Sony Six goes pass-and-tackle with rugby

Sony Six has bagged the India rights to broadcast the Rugby World Cup 2015, being hosted in England.

Sony Six has bagged the India rights to broadcast the Rugby World Cup 2015, being hosted in England. Sony Six and Sony Kix will screen all 48 matches of the tournament live, along with daily highlights of the action from rugby's showcase event. Last year, the channel had telecast the 6 Nations Rugby. It also has the rights to telecast other premier rugby tournaments such as the Super Rugby League and the Rugby Championship. The Rugby World Cup development comes after its La Liga, Serie A and FA Cup rights acquisition this year.

Prasana Krishnan, business head, Sony Six and Sony Kix, says, "Rugby as a sport is growing at a consistent clip and with that it's our primary aim to raise viewer experience to the next level. The raw nature of the sport will appeal to both our loyal and bench viewers alike."

World Rugby's CEO, Brett Gosper, said that this partnership adds to the record breaking roster of international broadcasters that will be taking the Rugby World Cup to the largest audience ever. "Rugby is on the rise in India, and we are delighted to have secured such a strong platform for Rugby World Cup 2015 to reach new audiences across India and inspire the next generation of players and fans," he added.

Rugby World Cup 2015 kicks off with host England versus Fiji at Twickenham on September 18. The six-week-long event will be played in 13 venues in England and Cardiff, with the final on October 31. Barring a few matches that start at 4.30 pm (IST), most days will see the action kick-off at 7 pm, and end with a match in the 12.30 am slot.