Rugby fans may face paying for World Cup 2011 TV

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.

His company was looking forward to playing its part in the delivery of what is the world's third largest sporting event.

"We are honoured to have been appointed and I am confident that we will deliver excellent coverage of all the games, which will be seen by an estimated four billion television viewers worldwide," he said.

"Sky is excited to be involved in what promises to be the biggest sporting event ever to be staged in New Zealand and will deliver live coverage of all 48 Rugby World Cup games to its subscribers."

Every match will be broadcast on Sky sports channels and the rugby channel, and there will also be a "comprehensive number" of replays of every match, along with a number of Rugby World Cup-related productions.

The company will also provide an international broadcast centre in Auckland for other licensed broadcasters to process RWC footage.

- NZHERALD STAFF, NZPA