Fiji One Limited has secured a landmark three-year deal with World Rugby, winning exclusive broadcast rights to four premier rugby events from 2025 to 2027. The package covers the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, the Pacific Nations Cup (2025–2027), and the World Rugby U20 Championship (2025–2027).
Under the agreement, Fiji One will serve as the Host Broadcaster and Exclusive Distributor for 15 Pacific Island markets. In Fiji, the network will be the sole broadcaster for these tournaments, with rights carried exclusively on its Free-to-Air channel and digital platform, Na Lololo. The arrangement guarantees free access to the world’s biggest rugby events for Fijian viewers, including the highly anticipated 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, which is expected to be a major highlight for the region.
This deal marks a key pillar of Fiji One’s shift toward a digital-first sports strategy, reinforcing its position as a regional hub for premium rugby coverage. The broadcaster will deliver content across multiple platforms—Free-to-Air television, Direct-to-Home (DTH), and Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming—with potential sub-licensing opportunities to other broadcasters throughout the Pacific.
Fiji One CEO Sanjeewa Perera called the agreement a proud moment for the company, its viewers, and the broader Pacific community. “Rugby is more than a sport – it is part of our identity and culture,” he said. “We are honoured to once again bring the Rugby World Cup and other key tournaments into Fijian homes and to serve as the regional host broadcaster for our Pacific neighbors.” He added that the deal demonstrates Fiji One’s commitment to delivering premium content as it transforms into a digital-first broadcaster.
Context and added value:
– This agreement complements a broader trend toward greater rugby accessibility on free-to-air platforms in Fiji, echoing recent moves to expand coverage of major rugby events in the country.
– By centralizing rights and distribution, Fiji One could enhance fan engagement across the Pacific, attract sponsorship interest, and create new opportunities for cross-border advertising and partnerships.
– The multi-platform approach—FTA, DTH, and OTT—strengthens resilience against changing viewing habits and widens the potential audience beyond traditional television.
Summary
The deal solidifies Fiji One’s role as a premier regional broadcaster for high-profile rugby events, while expanding free-to-air access for fans across Fiji and the Pacific. It signals optimism for the sport’s growth in the region and strengthens Fiji’s standing as a rugby-centric broadcasting hub.
Positive outlook
This agreement offers a hopeful path for expanding rugby’s reach in the Pacific, boosting fan engagement, supporting local rugby development, and opening doors for future collaborations and investment in the sport.
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