Rugby is one of the most popular sports in the world, captivating millions of fans with its physicality, strategy, and camaraderie. From the passionate crowds in New Zealand to the rising enthusiasm in Japan, rugby continues to grow in prominence. This article explores the statistics behind rugby’s popularity, including viewing figures, sponsorship deals, television rights, and average attendance, while comparing it to other major sports like football (soccer), basketball, and cricket.
Viewing Figures
Rugby’s global appeal is evident in its television viewership. The Rugby World Cup (RWC) is the sport’s premier event, drawing massive audiences worldwide.
2019 Rugby World Cup
- The 2019 RWC held in Japan set a record with a cumulative global audience of 857 million. This was a 26% increase compared to the 2015 tournament in England.
- The final between England and South Africa alone attracted over 44.9 million viewers worldwide, making it the most-watched rugby match in history.
- In Japan, an average of 54.8 million viewers tuned in to watch their national team’s quarter-final against South Africa, highlighting the sport’s growing appeal in Asia.
Six Nations Championship
- The Six Nations Championship remains one of the most-watched annual rugby tournaments. In 2023, it achieved an average live television audience of 7.7 million per game across Europe.
- The England vs. France match, often referred to as “Le Crunch,” consistently attracts over 8 million viewers in the UK and France combined.
Sponsorship Deals
Rugby’s commercial success is driven by lucrative sponsorship deals that reflect its growing marketability.
World Rugby Partnerships
- World Rugby’s sponsorship revenue reached $150 million in 2022, with major global brands like HSBC, Mastercard, and Tudor serving as key sponsors.
- The Rugby World Cup 2023 in France has already secured significant sponsorship agreements, including a $50 million deal with Société Générale and a $30 million partnership with Emirates.
Club and League Sponsorships
- The English Premiership secured a title sponsorship deal with Gallagher in 2018, reportedly worth $50 million over five years.
- The French Top 14 league benefits from robust financial backing, with Orange and Société Générale as major partners, contributing to its status as one of the wealthiest domestic rugby leagues.
Television Deals
Television broadcasting rights play a pivotal role in rugby’s financial ecosystem and global reach.
Rugby World Cup
- The 2019 RWC broadcasting rights were sold for $500 million, with major networks like ITV, NHK, and NBC securing coverage across key markets.
- For the 2023 RWC, broadcasting rights are expected to exceed $600 million, further underscoring the sport’s growing global appeal.
Domestic Leagues
- In the UK, the English Premiership’s television deal with BT Sport is worth approximately $150 million over four years.
- France’s Top 14 enjoys a lucrative broadcasting agreement with Canal+, valued at $125 million per season.
Average Attendance
Rugby’s ability to draw large crowds is another testament to its popularity.
Rugby World Cup
- The 2019 RWC achieved an average attendance of 37,000 per match, with a total of 1.84 million fans attending the tournament.
- The final at Yokohama Stadium had a full-capacity crowd of 72,000.