Seven snaps up Rugby League World Cup rights

Australian commercial broadcaster Seven has acquired rights for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Seven struck the deal for broadcast, pay-television, IPTV, internet-connected television, catch-up television, broadband, pay-per-view, video-on-demand, online and mobile rights with the IMG Media agency.

The broadcaster will show all games live, from the opening day on October 26 to the final on November 30, on digital-terrestrial channel 7mate.

Seven has dislodged commercial rival Nine, which has broadcast the quadrennial tournament for more than 20 years.

The national team tournament is operated by the Rugby League International Federation, the sport’s global governing body.