World Rugby and Endeavor Streaming launch OTT platform for Rugby World Cup

World Rugby, the governing body of Rugby Union, has tied with Endeavor Streaming to launch a free-to-air global streaming service ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023.

The OTT platform, RugbyPass TV will stream World Cup matches in all global territories where broadcast deals are not in place. It goes live on September 8 with coverage of the Rugby World Cup.

RugbyPass TV will also stream all fixtures from World Rugby’s upcoming tournaments, including the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups, WXV and the HSBC SVNS series.

More than 1,000 hours of archive content from historic matches alongside exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, documentary and content produced by World Rugby Studios will feature on the platform.

RugbyPass TV leverages Endeavor Streaming’s end-to-end streaming solution platform Vesper. Endeavor Streaming said the initiative marks the first time the Rugby federation has introduced its own, standalone service to stream international competitions live.

World Rugby chief marketing and content officer James Rothwell said: “This is an opportunity for rugby fans around the world to get closer to the game we love. Rugby is an incredible sport, and we want to deepen the connection it has with new and existing fans through live rights, never seen before archive content, and our World Rugby Studios original programming. RugbyPass TV is the destination for global rugby content.”

Pete Bellamy, chief commercial officer at Endeavor Streaming added, “With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, global interest in Rugby Union has never been higher. We’re proud to partner with World Rugby at this pinnacle moment in its calendar to help the sport expand its international reach, connect and grow its worldwide fanbase and help to deliver brand new content formats in a highly personalised manner.”

The service will launch via a dedicated OTT website rugbypass.tv, iOS and Android mobile apps, and via Smart TV devices including Apple TV and Android TV.