The International Rugby League has confirmed Premier Sports will cater broadcast rights for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup in October.
For those in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the only way to watch the World Cup will be to subscribe to Premier Sports, a pay-TV platform.
Premier has plenty of experience in broadcasting the World Cup, and did so in the 2013 and 2017 campaigns.
The RLWC comprises 53 matches across men's, women's, and wheelchair fixtures this year, with Premier set to accommodate all the men's, while also showing all English women's and wheelchair fixtures.
Depending on scheduling commitments, it will be decided in due time whether they can accommodate the remaining games outside of the UK in the women's and wheelchair pools.
With Premier jumping on board as broadcast partners, it means there will be no games featured on free-to-air, which is a big blow for the common league fan in the Northern Hemisphere.
Due to anti-siphoning laws in Australia, there are certain events that are made 'essential viewing' by the Australian government, such as the Olympics, which restrict platforms from broadcasting sports content behind a paid subscription.
The UK doesn't have these restrictions, meaning rugby league fans will have to cough up a payment to watch their stars in action.
"Premier Sports has had a strong partnership with international rugby league events for many years and has showcased some of the sport's elite tournaments – none more so than the 2017 Rugby League World Cup," IRL secretary general Danny Kazandjian said in a statement.
"IRL is really excited about renewing that relationship as we continue to develop our business, increasing the IF's capacity to invest consistently and in a meaningful way in the global game.
"We have no doubt that Premier Sports' customers will be enthralled by what promises to be one of the most competitive World Cups in history.”
Premier Sports will also be responsible for broadcasting the RLWC2026 in Canada and 20 other countries in South-East Asia.
"We are delighted to be bringing the Rugby League World Cup back to Premier Sports viewers, having previously broadcast the tournament in 2013 and 2017," Premier Sports chief executive Richard Sweeney said.
“This is one of the major events in the international sporting calendar, and we are looking forward to showing every match from the men's tournament live, alongside extensive coverage of the IRL Women's and Wheelchair tournaments. England's opening match against Tonga promises to be a fascinating contest, and our full studio presentation around every England fixture will give supporters expert insight, analysis and reaction throughout the tournament.
“Premier Sports has a proud history with rugby league, from the 2013 and 2017 World Cups to our more recent coverage of the Rugby League Championship. We are excited to bring that experience and commitment to this tournament and to showcase the very best of the international game.”
The World Cup kicks off with two heavyweights in Australia facing New Zealand on October 15 in Sydney, while English fans will get their first taste when England play Tonga in Perth, the first time the two league heavyweights have met since their epic semi-final encounter in 2017.
