PCCW Media and beIN Asia Pacific have extended their collaboration to offer live coverage of Rugby World Cup 2019. Held in Japan, all matches will be broadcast live on a dedicated channel, beIN SPORTS RUGBY, which will be offered on Now TV and Now E platforms.
Rugby World Cup is the predominant stage for top rugby union nations to fight for the greatest glory. This year’s event will be the first Rugby World Cup to be hosted in Asia and will be held across 12 different cities in Japan from September 20 to November 2, with the opening match between the host country and Russia. The other participating nations include defending champion New Zealand, traditional rugby powerhouses Australia, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, South Africa and Wales, along with up and rising rugby nations Argentina, Georgia, Italy and the USA. Fans will be able to witness exciting clashes early in the group stage, such as New Zealand vs. South Africa, England vs. France and Australia vs. Wales.
As most of the matches will be held in the afternoon and early evening, a wider audience in Hong Kong will be able to enjoy the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2019 on beIN SPORTS RUGBY. The rugby-dedicated pop-up channel will be available from September 6 to November 10. Now TV is the exclusive pay-TV platform to broadcast all matches live, while Now E subscribers will also be able to watch the whole tournament via OTT platform on smartphone, tablet, computer or Now E Android TV Box, anytime, anywhere.
Mr. Derek Choi, Head of Pay-TV, PCCW Media, said, “Rugby World Cup 2019 is definitely the most anticipated event for rugby fans this year. Now TV has always been an active champion of sports in Hong Kong. We believe our extensive experience in producing and broadcasting large-scale international and local sporting events, alongside the OTT flexibility from Now E, will deliver to Hong Kong viewers a superior enjoyment of the Rugby World Cup.”
Mr. Mike Kerr, Managing Director of beIN Asia Pacific, said, “The rugby fanbase here has grown significantly through the popularity of the Hong Kong Sevens. With the tournament set in Asia for the very first time, it will be an amazing spectacle and the most-watched Rugby World Cup here. We are excited to partner with PCCW Media for this momentous event and are committed to bringing high-quality coverage and enhancing fans’ experience on Now TV and Now E.”
Source: PCCW Press Release
