RugbyPass TV to hold exclusive broadcasting rights for Japan vs England opener

RugbyDump can confirm that RugbyPass TV will be the exclusive live destination for fans in the UK and Ireland wishing to watch the Japan vs England test match on the 22nd of June.

This will be the first official test between the two nations of Japanese soil, and the first test match under the recently announced law changes/trials.

The international match will be free to view for fans via the RugbyPass TV website and app on mobile, tablet, laptop and smart TV. It is the first time that the leading rugby content platform has broadcast an England men’s Test match outside of Rugby World Cup and reflects World Rugby’s ongoing strategic commitment to broaden rugby’s audience.  

RugbyPass TV’s coverage will include a pre-match, half-time and full-time show and exclusive commentary, all produced by World Rugby Studios.  

England Rugby Marketing Director Ewan Turney said: “This is an exciting partnership with World Rugby to enable all fans in the UK and Ireland to watch this historic match for free. 

“We know that younger audiences are gravitating towards streaming platforms and fans are watching matches on a multitude of devices, so we have chosen this free-to-air route.” 

James Rothwell, Chief Marketing and Content Officer at World Rugby, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the RFU to provide fans in the UK and Ireland with exclusive access on RugbyPass TV to what will be an historic match, the first official Test match between Japan and England in Japan. 

“Provision of world-class live content and unique storytelling is core to RugbyPass TV’s mission to broaden rugby’s accessibility and World Rugby Studios will be producing comprehensive coverage for fans on RugbyPass TV, including a pre-match, half-time and post-match show and commentary.  

“Importantly, this marquee live event represents a continuation of our strategic focus on programming in both the UK and Japan. We have recently finished production on Japan U, a series following the most successful university teams in Japan and their stars which will be available in English and Japanese. We will also be producing our next series of Embedded’ with the England U20s in South Africa in June.”