Public-service broadcaster TVNZ, commercial channel TV3 and pay-broadcaster Sky TV had made a joint-offer for the rights but are now negotiating separately after the warning from the IRB. A deal is expected later this month, once the tournament venues and schedule has been finalised.
IRB chief executive Mike Miller told the Star Times that “It’s disappointing that they thought with a tournament of this size and stature and importance to New Zealand that they could pull the wool over our eyes. I understand they are businesses. They have their own budgetary issues and pressures to deal with but it has been disappointing.”