Sky is discussing simultaneous free-to-air broadcasts of just 16 of the 48 matches. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Rugby fans may face missing out on the finals and semi-finals of the World Cup 2011 unless they fork out for tickets or have pay TV after Sky won the hosting rights to the tournament.
Sky has won the host broadcaster rights for all matches at the World Cup,
the first to be held in New Zealand since 1987, and will distribute pictures to Rugby World Cup Ltd's partners around the world.
Discussions are under way with other broadcasters in New Zealand to license simultaneous free-to-air broadcast of up to 16 of the 48 matches, including the opening match and knock-out clashes.
An initial report gives no indication that any of the later-stage games, which should involve the All Blacks, would be screened on free-to-air.
However, Newstalk ZB reported that the final would be available to non-subscribers.
Full match schedule with interactive map
RWCL managing director Mike Miller claimed it aimed to provide the New Zealand public with the largest amount of free-to-air international rugby coverage seen since RWC 2007.
Mr Miller said Sky NZ was a proven world leader in rugby broadcasting and its appointment as host broadcaster was wonderful news for rugby fans in New Zealand who would be able to see every RWC 2011 match live.
Sky Television New Zealand chief executive John Fellet said RWC 2007 set new tournament broadcast standards and was screened in over 200 countries, reaching four billion people.
