Rugby League World Cup opener between Australia and New Zealand smashes TV records

The Seven Network’s coverage of the Rugby League World Cup began last night, reaching a massive 3.29 million on Seven and 7plus.

The tournament’s opening match between Australia and New Zealand saw an incredible Trans-Tasman tussle with the Kangaroos clinching a nail-biting victory over New Zealand with the match having a total TV audience of 1.73 million and reaching 3.29 million. The audience on 7plus Sport 594,000.

It was the biggest opening to a Rugby League World Cup ever, and it was the biggest Rugby League World Cup audience since the 2008 final.

The match was also the No.1 program on Thursday in total people, 25 to 54s, 16 to 39s and grocery shoppers. The post-match coverage had a national audience of 953,000 and reached 2 million.

Southern Cross Media’s TV and streaming sport director Chris Jones said it was an incredible way to open the Rugby League World Cup.

“Firstly, thank you to the players for putting on an absolute spectacle,” he said.

“Our production team at Seven, led by Lesley Tapsall delivered a fresh, innovative and glass half-full broadcast, setting the standard for what’s to come over the next four weeks. A huge thank you also to our commentary team, who set the tone from the start of the coverage and coloured in the incredible action on field.

“We’ve seen record-breaking audiences for the AFL grand final, the NFL at the MCG, an incredible Bathurst 1000 and now the Rugby League World Cup, showcasing the power of Seven’s platform and our ability to bring Australians together for the moments that matter.

“If you want more rugby league in October and November, there’s nowhere else to look than Seven, 7plus, Triple M and LISTNR.”

Seven Network Rugby League World Cup boss Lesley Tapsall said opening night captured everything that makes a Rugby League World Cup so special.

“From the intensity of the Australia-New Zealand clash to the individual stories that emerge when the world’s best players come together on the biggest stage,” she said.

“Seeing debutant Jack Bostock claim Player of the Match was a great reminder of the moments and stories that make this tournament so compelling.

“We cannot wait to bring fans more of that drama and world-class rugby league across the next four weeks.

“Tonight’s match-ups promise another big night of action, with a huge men’s clash between Samoa and France from 5pm AEDT, followed by our Jillaroos taking on Samoa, all live and free on Seven and 7plus.”